Ati-Ati Festival To Incorporate Environmental Concerns

“Higantes” prancing along the main streets of Kalibo to the beat of Ati-atihan drums on January 14 will not only serve as attractions of this year’s Kalibo Sto. Nino Ati-atihan Festival – they will also remind the public to conserve and preserve the environment.

“Higantes” are giant paper mache figures entered by various Aklan municipalities in the yearly contest, sponsored by the Provincial Government of Aklan through the Aklan Provincial Tourism Office (APTO) and one of the major attractions of the Kalibo Sto. Nino Ati-atihan Festival.

This year, theme of the Higante Contest, according to the APTO is “Eco-Friendly Ati”, and the Higante figures entered in the contest by municipalities must depict concern for Mother Earth and advocate for environmental conservation and protection.

APTO said participants are encouraged to use biodegradable products and materials such as paper, natural fabrics, kitchen wastes, twigs and others on the clothing, props and accessories of their Higantes.

The use of recycled/non-biodegradable materials like Styrofoam and aluminum shall only be allowed on the head and skeletal framework of the Higante, according to the APTO.

Ten (10) Aklan towns will be participating in this year’s Higante Contest – Balete, Ibajay, Kalibo, Libacao, Madalag, Malinao, Nabas, New Washington, Numancia and Tangalan.

Winners of the contest, which will be announced after the Higante Parade and Program at the Kalibo Pastrana Park on January 14, will receive P40,000 for first place; P35,000 for second place; P30,000, third place; P25,000.00, 4th place, and P20,000.00, fifth place.

A consolation prize of P10,000.00 each will be given to other participating towns.

Before the contest, participating municipalities were given P30,000.00 each as subsidy.

Other activities of the Provincial Government to complement the week-long Ati-atihan Festival include the Parade of Floats participated in by 11 municipalities, the Provincial Sadsad and the Ati-atihan Night Masquerade Party in honor of balikbayans, government workers and private sectors at the ABL Sports Complex on January 15. (JCM/VGV PIA6 Aklan)