Kalibo Ati festival kicks off with 'Tamboe Salvo'

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

KALIBO, Aklan - Mayor William Lachica will officially get the celebration started for the 2011 Kalibo Ati-Atihan Festival on January 10.

'Tamboe Salvo' coined to describe the simultaneous beat of drums of tribal groups kicks off the festive Ati-Atihan at the historic Kalibo Pastrana Park.

Top provincial government officials led by Aklan Governor Carlito Marquez and Aklan Cong. Florencio Miraflores have been invited by the local government of Kalibo and festival organizer Kalibo Sto. Nino Ati-Atihan Foundation, Inc. (Kasafi) to grace the Monday afternoon event.

The religious festival will begin with the traditional blessing by Diocesan Administrator Fr. Ulysses Dalida followed by messages of local leaders expressing their solidarity to the festival.

Mayor Lachica will then deliver his festival message and declaration of opening of the Kalibo Ati-Atihan Festival in honor of Senor Sto. Nino this year.

Slated from January 10 to 16, thousands of devotees, guests and tourists will flock to the capital town of Kalibo to celebrate the annual festival.

Other festival activities include the Hala Bira Ati-Atihan nights at the Kalibo Magsaysay Park, Kaean-an sa Plasa, paeapak or pahilot at the Saint John the Baptist, nine-day novena, Ati-Atihan competition, Day of the Drums, Dawn Penitential Procession, pilgrims' mass, Higante contest and Aklan Festivals parade, products showcase and the Mutya it Kalibo Ati-Atihan pageant.

Festival goers will also enjoy the sumptuous foods and drinks offered by kiosks inside the Kalibo Magsaysay Park with nightly music from the hottest Pinoy bands - Rocksteady, Itchyworms, Brownman Revival and Euphonic Band - courtesy of San Miguel Corporation and co-sponsored by Coca Cola Bottlers Philippines, Smart Communications and Globe Telecom.