This section contains information about the Holidays and Special Events observed in Kalibo, Aklan, which are among the most well-known events in the lives of Aklanons. These events help to boost tourism in the Philippines by attracting more tourists and vacationers who want to see how Aklanons celebrate, especially during the municipality's largest festival, the Ati- Atihan Festival, also known as the "Mother of All Festivals." It is also one of the most anticipated moments for some photographers because it allows them to capture fantastic images, fun events, and other memorable moments. In addition, the XIX Aklan Martyrs, Aklan Day Celebration, Kalibo Food Festival, and a variety of other events and holidays are held in Kalibo, Aklan.
Ati- Atihan Festival was held on the third Sunday of January to commemorate the peace agreement reached between early Negrito settlers and the Maraynons who came over from Borneo. As a result, participants enjoy blackening their skin with soot and dressing up in vibrant tribal garb. It is now one of Saint Nino's, the Holy Child Jesus', most well-known ceremonies. As a result, the phrase "Filipino Mardis Gras" became popular. During the week-long celebration, dubbed "The Mother of All Philippine Festivals," the public can expect a plethora of activities and events. The Mutya it Kalibo Ati-atihan Search, the Aklan Festivals Parade, the Higante Contest, and a High Mass will all take place on the final day of revelry and procession. The indigenous dance competitions, which feature competing tribes dressed in full regalia and accompanied by primitive drumbeats, are the festival's main attraction and one of its highlights.
The main reason people travel hundreds of miles to Kalibo. The fact that everyone, not just the competing parties, is allowed to throng the main streets of Kalibo and dance nonstop for several days adds to the excitement of this festival. However, we were unable to celebrate Ati Atihan in 2021 due to the pandemic (COVID-19) due to the numerous protocol requirements. As a result, the municipality decided to postpone the celebration until later, turning it into a virtual one. Other activities, such as the Mutya Search in Kalibo 2021 and the procession, will continue, but instead of a literal procession, the Kalibo Diocese has decided to simply load the saints' statues into vehicles.
On February 11, Governor Evelio B. Javier Day is observed. In the provinces of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, and Iloilo, it is a non-working public holiday. The one-year anniversary of the assassination of politician Evelio Javier is observed.
The Kalibo Food Festival is an annual event held from June 12 to 23 to commemorate the Feast of St. John the Baptist. In accordance with the town's customs, numerous kiosks sell a variety of local and international dishes, and are frequently accompanied by live musical acts to entertain tourists, visitors, and locals alike. I recall that whenever the feast of St. John the Baptist, or as we called it, San Juan, rolled around, I was always there with my friends or family at the Kalibo food festival and on the actual day. To celebrate, we go to the beach in San Juan, where we have a picnic and bathe on the beach while jamming. However, given the current pandemic, I doubt this celebration will be particularly enjoyable at first.
Furthermore, the XIX Martyrs of Aklan is an annual commemoration of the 19 Aklan Martyrs who died in the fight for independence against the colonizers. The Aklan Freedom Shrine commemorates the incident on March 23rd, and municipal officials attend wearing barong tagalog as a mark of respect. The Aklan Pina and Fiber Festival follows, a week-long celebration held annually on April 25th to commemorate the province's founding anniversary. It is a product that demonstrates superior craftsmanship and creativity by utilizing indigenous raw materials such as abaca, pina fiber, and raffia. The festival's goal is to promote, preserve, and grow the loom weaving industry in the province. There is also a yearly commemoration of the province's founding anniversary on April 25th, 1956, when it declared official independence from its mother province, Capiz. Our province also hosts a show where they display various barong or garments made of pina fiber, abaca, and raffia.
Following that is Kalibo Day, which is celebrated on November 3rd each year to commemorate Kalibo's founding day. A memorable program at Magsaysay Park and a Kalibohian night market are among the highlights. Following that, there will be a celebration of Godofredo P. Ramos' birth anniversary. Proclamation No. 194 declared November 8 a special (non-working) day in the province of Aklan.
Finally, every year on December 15, a light-a-tree program begins. This image depicts a world that is both bright and peaceful for all of humanity. It's also meant to entice people to go out at night to see and enjoy the outdoor Christmas atmosphere or scene. Young people, or millennials, cannot afford to miss this event because they will have a good time at Kalibo Plaza. Drumming groups have also emerged, indicating an early celebration of the Ati Atihan Festival. However, based on my experience in December 2020, this appears to be the first time anything like this has occurred, but the municipality continues to install decorations and lighting so that we can still experience what is known as Christmas even in the midst of the pandemic. Some of us immediately think of a wonderful season or a joyous occasion in a Filipino's life when we hear the word "events," such as a fiesta or another. Often upbeat and cheerful, with joyful music, games and sports, feasting, and the Roman Catholic rite. Among the previously mentioned holidays and events, I'd like to invite you to visit Kalibo in the province of Aklan.
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