The Ati-atihan Festival is the mother of all festivals in the Philippines. This festival is significant because it is a national festival and the oldest because it has been going on since 1200 years ago. But what exactly is the Ati-atihan festival? Here's the explanation.

Read more: Itinerary & Budget: 13D 12N in Philippines

Ati-atihan means "to be like Aetas."According to the history books, Aetas was an earlier resident of Panay Island in Aklan Province. It all started with one of the Chiefs and his family struggling to survive from Malay island to Panay island. They then bought the lowlands from the natives of Aetas and exchanged them for some cloth, gold salakot, and brass basins.

In other versions, this festival is held to celebrate the new relationship between both parties. People will wear dark makeup as a form of appreciation to the host.

Despite many versions, the festival is held annually as a tribute to landowners.

The Ati-atihan festival is always celebrated in January every year. The festival's highlight is held on the third Sunday of January, which will be held in Kalibo, Aklan. Apart from the stories circulating, the festival is also intended as a tribute to Saint Niño.

In addition to Kalibo, several towns in Aklan also celebrate this festival by wearing various costumes. There is traditional music accompaniment that enlivens the celebration.

Then, when will the Ati-atihan festival take place in 2023? The festival is held in the first week of January, from January 11 to 18, and the festival is festive day and night. Of course, the highlight of this celebration is held on Saturday as the festival's last day.

During the festivities, there are parades, traditional dances, and art performances that enliven the festival. Not a few foreign tourists participated in watching this festival.

Read more: Getting Around Manila, Philippines

Then how to go to the festival next year? You can easily choose two paths; the air and sea routes. For the air route, there are two airports in Aklan: the Kalibo International Airport in Andago and the Godofredo P. Ramos Airport in Caticlan. You can fly from Manilla for 45 minutes to Kalibo and Caticlan.

Aklan has three ports for the sea route: Caticlan, Dumaguit, and New Washington. You will travel about 12 hours from Manilla. After arriving at Dumaguit, you will take a jeepney to Kalibo. If you depart from Caticlan, you will use a jeep or van.

So, now you know more about the Ati-atihan festival in the Philippines. Book flight tickets and hotels with an appropriate schedule to watch the celebration. You can make a booking through Traveloka. Invite your family and relatives to join in enlivening this festival. Enjoy your trip with Traveloka in the Philippines!