A yearly celebrated event, the Sto. Niño Ati-atihan festival is one of the most famous and celebrated festivites here in the Philippines. Celebrated every third sunday of January on the feast of the Holy Child - Sto. Niño, the marvel of Paeapak has prove its unique and miraculous healing traditions.

Ati-atihan festival is held at Kalibo City in Aklan where vibrant and colorful indigenous costumes parade along the streets of the city, loud and lively tribal dance will surely entice you to groove and join the fun. For years, Ati-atihan festival has been one of the most anticipated event here in asia that even foreign countries take time to visit and witness this glorious event.

History

A 13th century (c.1200 A.D.) event explains the origins of the festival. A group of 10 Malay chieftains called Datus, fleeing from the island of Borneo settled in the Philippines, and were granted settlement by the Ati people, the tribes of Panay Island. The Ati-Atihan was originally a pagan festival from this tribe practicing Animism, and their worshiping their anito god. Spanish missionaries gradually added a Christian meaning. Today, the Ati-Atihan is celebrated as a religious festival.