Cultural background of ati-atihan

History

The original celebration was known as the Fiesta de Santo Niño, which dates back to at least the 17th century

Events

The formal opening mass during the first day of the celebration emphasizes the festival's religious event

Celebrations in other places

Other towns in Aklan that celebrate the Ati-Atihan festival are Ibajay, Lezo, Malinao, Makato, Batan, Altavas, and Malay (Boracay Island)

Controversies

The initial Ati-Atihan is believed to not originally include the Ati people (commonly misidentified with the Aeta people of Luzon) in the dances as the dancers

External links

• Kalibo Ati Atihan Photographs Archived January 5, 2019

What is Ati Atihan Festival?

The Ati Atihan Festival has a rich and colorful history, dating back to the 13th century when the Aetas, an indigenous people, are said to have settled the island of Panay in the Philippines

According to legend, the Aeta welcomed the Malay settlers who arrived on the island in a friendly manner, welcoming them with food and dance

What is the history of the Ati-Atihan?

The Atis, or Aetas as they are also commonly called, are characteristically darker-skinned and of small stature

They were the first settlers in many of what are now the Philippine islands

This included the island of Panay, where Kalibo is located

Now, two famous variants of the Ati-Atihan’s history circulate

Why is the Ati-Atihan important in the Philippines?

In the Philippines, the Ati-atihan is known as a powerful instance of the dynamic blending of Filipino traditions from pre-colonial, colonial, and modern times

Much of the writing on the Ati-atihan emphasizes the festival’s ability to take on influences from inside and outside the culture of Aklan

The origins of Ati-Atihan date back to the 13th Century, when a group of lighter skinned Malay immigrants from Borneo chose to show their respect for the local Ati people by painting their faces black and singing and dancing in thanks for the land and food that was offered to them.The roots of the Ati-Atihan Festival trace back to the 13th century, a time when a community of Malay immigrants with lighter skin arrived from Borneo. These newcomers sought to express their gratitude and respect towards the indigenous Ati people by engaging in a unique cultural exchange.

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