Kalibo Ati Atihan festival

Trip Start Mar 06, 2006

Trip End Ongoing

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Flag of Philippines Kalibo, Philippines
Thursday, January 18, 2007

Here it is - the biggest fiesta on the Philippine's calender. At least that's what the book says! It's in a usually sleepy but pleasant town, but it goes crazy for this one weekend. The Ati Atihan festival originates from the indigenous tribes that are thought to have arrived from Borneo (I think) and this explains the reason that most of the dancers are daubed in black paint.

I had accomodation sorted ut, having met up again wth an American guy (and 2 friends) from Manila. We paid a fortune, but it was right on the door step of the festival. Good for toilet breaks, not so good for sleeping. Anyhow, the festival was amazing. Brilliant costumes, superb dancing, beer and rum on ever corner, incessant banging drums throughout the day and a real carnival atmosphere. It lived up to all my expectations, and I would recommend to anyone, other than those with sensitive ears. Party on people!

Slideshow

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Brits abroad - Ian and me	Entering into the spirit of the festi 01	Entering into the spirit of the festi 02	Entering into the spirit of the festi 03
I'm sure Superwoman used to be better looking?	Me and new haircut at the Ati Atihan festival	More dressing up.	Murray in tribal dancer mode
Out in Kalibo with 2 American chicks	Smile! it's fiesta time!	Superman and co	The boys on the Tanduay rum again...
The gang	The lads on night out in Kalibo	The Santo Nino -the reason we're all here!	Those drums are everywhere and LOUD! Comments!
Tribal dancers 1	Tribal dancers 2	Tribal dancers 3	Tribal dancers 4
Tribal dancers 5	Tribal dancers 6	Tribal dancers 7	Tribal warrior or local bloke with paint on face?