KALIBO, Aklan – Tribu Linabuanon is ready to challenge old names in the highly-anticipated 2026 Kalibo Sadsad Ati-Atihan contest.
The first-time Tribal Big champion tribe from Barangay Linabuan Norte, Kalibo town is pitted against former defending champions Black Beauty Boys, also from the same village, and Vikings of Barangay Dumga, Makato town.
Also under the radar for the championship are Libtong Boys of Barangay Estancia, Kalibo; Tribu Alibangbang of Barangay Linabuan Norte, Kalibo; Pangawasan of Barangay Cayangwan, Makato, and Maharlika of Barangay Dumga, Makato.
Black Beauty Boys emerged as the dominant contingent with multiple major titles since 1963. Vikings won the title in 2018 and 2023, and also the de facto champion in 2020 before the pandemic.
The capital town of Kalibo comes alive as thousands of spectators and devotees are expected to line the sadsad route on the morning of January 17 for the big day out to watch the colorful and intricate costumes, drummers and dancers of contingents for the four-hour spectacle.
Celebrating the cultural heritage, the Kalibo Sadsad Ati-Atihan attracted contingents in four contest categories – Tribal Big, Modern Tribal, Tribal Small, and Tradisyunal nga Ati – from Lezo, Malinao, Makato, Numancia, Ibajay, and Kalibo.
The tribes and groups will assemble at Osmeña Avenue Capitol at 6 .am. Meanwhile, the street dancing contest, in honor of Señor Sto. Niño de Kalibo, begins at 8 a.m. along the major streets of Kalibo.
The blessing of tribes and pilgrims will also take place in front of Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist along Archbishop Reyes Street.
The awarding of Sadsad Ati-Atihan Contest winners is on January 18 at Kalibo Magsaysay Park./PN
