BORACAY – Eight towns in Aklan province will join the “Ati Higantes” of the 2020 Sto. Niño Ati-Atihan Festival, said provincial tourism officer Roselle Quimpo-Ruiz.
The towns of Ibajay, Malinao, Nabas, Tangalan, and Numancia in the western district, and the towns of Libacao, Balete and Kalibo in the eastern district will join the Higante Contest on Jan. 16, Ruiz added.
This year’s theme, “Ati in Flowers, Fruits and Foliage” will focus on environment protection and conservation through responsible use and management of local resources in the communities.
Ruiz said the participants will receive a P30,000 subsidy from the provincial government.
Each entry will be judged based on its relevance to the theme, aesthetic qualities, creativity, originality, and audience impact.
The grand winner will receive P45,000; second place will get P40,000; third, P35,000; 4th place, P30,000; and 5th, P25,000.
The provincial government will also give a consolation price of P15,000.
This year’s parade will start at 1 p.m. on Desposorio Maagma Sr. Street and will end at the Kalibo Pastrana Park.
Last year, the Balete town’s entry “Makabieihag nga Ati” won the contest, Nabas entry “Bariw Festival” placed second and Batan Sto. Niño Ati Festival settled for third place in the parade of the giants.
“Ati Higantes” will be a unique handicraft of local artists.
The iconic Ati-Atihan attraction is supported by Governor Florencio Miraflores and Vice Governor Reynaldo Quimpo through the Provincial Tourism Office.(With a report from Akean Forum/PN)
