Aklanons abroad celebrate Ati-Atihan festival

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

Filipino communities abroad will showcase the rich religious and cultural traditions with their own versions of Ati-Atihan festival in honor of Señor Sañto Niño.

On January 5, the Aklanon Sto. Niño Ati-Atihan Association of British Columbia Canada is set to hold its yearly Ati-Atihan at Saint Patrick's Parish Recreation Centre in Vancouver BC Canada.

Aklanons in Winnipeg City in the province of Manitoba, Canada unfold the Ati-Atihan festivities on January 26 with the Aklan Association of Manitoba as the main organizer.  The 30th year anniversary celebration will be held at Garden City Community Center in Kingsbury Avenue.

Also on January 26, Ati-Atihan activities of United Aklanon Association of Toronto will take place at Taj Banquet Hall in Steeles Avenue West in Toronto City of the province of Ontario, Canada.  

In Sacramento, California, merrymakers will celebrate the Ati-Atihan on February 9. It will be staged at Jose Rizal Community Center in Florin Mall Drive Sacramento by the Aklan Association of Sacramento and Vicinity, Inc. 

The Ati-Atihan celebrations will be highlighted by the traditional paeapak, holy mass, Hala Bira Ati-Atihan contest and blessing of Señor Santo Niño images.

In the province of Aklan, the Ati-Atihan festival is also celebrated in the capital town of Kalibo from January 2 to 20, Makato on January 14-15 and Malinao on January 17-18. 

The town of Batan will kick off the celebrations on January 19-20, Ibajay Ati Festival and Altavas Ati-Atihan on January 26-27.