KALIBO, Aklan — Drums pound the streets, faces are painted in soot and vibrant hues, and the spirit of devotion fills the air as Kalibo once again bursts into life for the Ati-Atihan Festival 2026, the country’s revered “Mother of All Philippine Festivals.”
From January 7 to 18, Kalibo transforms into a living tapestry of faith, culture, and communal joy as the Kalibo Ati-Atihan Festival Board (KAFEB), under the leadership of Mayor Juris Sucro, rolls out a dynamic lineup of events that blend age-old traditions with modern celebrations. At the heart of it all is the enduring devotion to Señor Sto. Niño de Kalibo, drawing thousands of locals and tourists into the town’s unmistakable rhythm.
The festival officially opened on January 7 with the Ati-Atihan Fashion Festival at the Bagong Kalibo Mabini Overpass, where culture met couture in a rare spectacle of color and identity. Around 250 models showcased designs inspired by Ati heritage and Kalibonhon pride, setting the tone for a festival that honors the past while embracing creative expression.
Elegance took center stage on January 9 during the Binibini ng Kalibo Ati-Atihan 2026 Grand Coronation Night at Kalibo Pastrana Park. Amid cheers and celebration, Frechie Joy Gomez emerged as the grand winner, with Lovelyn Lianita as first runner-up and Anica Mae Perez as second runner-up, in a night that celebrated beauty, confidence, and cultural pride.
The festivities spilled into Kalibo’s streets on January 10 as runners filled major roads for the HalaBiRun, while fitness enthusiasts joined the Ati-Atihan Zumba Festival. Car lovers, meanwhile, admired sleek machines during the Aklan Car Club Display, all converging at Pastrana Park in a showcase of energy and community spirit.
Sports enthusiasts had their share of excitement on January 11 with the Ati-Atihan Circuit Bike Race at the Kalibo Pook Jetty Port, while music and dance took over the following days. On January 12, the streets of Poblacion Kalibo pulsed with sound as “Tunog Klasik” and “Balik Tunog” accompanied the Patik Ati modern street dancing from Mabini Street to Pastrana Park.
Beyond the revelry, Ati-Atihan also highlighted Aklan’s local flavors and craftsmanship. The Kalibo Ati-Atihan Product Expo at CityMall Kalibo runs from January 12 to 21, while Kaean-an sa Plasa at Pastrana Park (January 12–18) offers festivalgoers a taste of Aklanon delicacies. Color bursts during “Color My Ati” on January 12, and nightly concerts by local bands electrify crowds at Hala Bira Ati-Atihan Nights at Magsaysay Park.
Cultural pride shines brightest in the mid-festival highlights. Sinaot sa Calle it mga Inueang Ati on January 13 and Magueang Ati on January 14 showcased the creativity and cultural awareness of Aklanon learners and students. The same day also featured Negoparada, celebrating local enterprise and entrepreneurship.
National attention turns to Kalibo as two of the country’s biggest television networks bring star-studded entertainment to the festival—ABS-CBN’s Kapamilya Caravan on January 14 and GMA’s Kapuso Fiesta on January 16—drawing massive crowds and adding to the festive fervor.
Adding spectacle to the celebration, hundreds gathered on January 15 to witness the Higante Contest, where participating local government units across Aklan paraded towering, imaginative figures that captured both artistry and local identity. In the end, the Tangalan LGU was declared champion.
The festival will reach its peak on January 17 with the much-anticipated Kalibo Sadsad Ati-Atihan Contest and Individual Costume Contest. Beginning at Osmeña Avenue near the Provincial Capitol and culminating at Kalibo Pastrana Park, the sadsad—marked by rhythmic dancing, pounding drums, and joyful chants—embodies the soul of Ati-Atihan. Organizers advise spectators to arrive early, stay hydrated, and soak in every moment along the route.
As Ati-Atihan 2026 unfolds, Kalibo once again proves why this centuries-old celebration endures—not just as a festival, but as a living expression of faith, resilience, and unity. In every drumbeat and dance step, the town honors Señor Sto. Niño and invites the world to join in its joyful cry: “Hala Bira! Viva Señor Sto. Niño!”/PN
