KALIBO ATI-ATIHAN - Scene of yearly celebration in honor of Sto. Nino held every third week of January, popularly known worldwide as Ati-Atihan. So called because Aklanons, domestic and foreign tourists wipe soot on their faces and don ethnic paraphernalia and masquerade around town as Negritos and make merry and dance in the streets to the beat of ambulant ethnic troubadors.
SPECIAL INTEREST
POTTERY MAKING/POP RICE (AMPAW) MAKING, Lezo. The industries that have augmented the people's livelihood in this municipality. Residents near the river bank make clay pots and jars the old-fashioned way, as others engage in poprice making. Popularly known as "ampaw" in the local dialect is being processed from cooked rice, dried,
deep fried with oil and sugar and then molded into the same sizes and dried slowly.
Antique
FESTIVALS
BINIRAYAN FESTIVAL - April 30 to May 2. Binirayan commemoratesthe landing of the ten Malay datus in Malandog, Hamtic, Antique in themiddle of the 13th century to set up the first Malayan settlement or barangayin this country. The festival started in 1971
Capiz
FESTIVALS
Halaran Festival
Roxas City
Depicts the colorful historyand culture of the Capizenos back to the pre-Spanish times particularlythe landing and settlement of the Bornean datus; highlighted by eating,drinking and dancing to the exotic beat of drums; celebrated every firstweekend of October.
Sinadya Festival
Roxas City
Showcases the rituals and festivitiesof the Capizenos; highlighted by the diana, fireworks display, grand dancingparade, giant papier maches, processions, food festivals and sports exhibitions.
Balintawakan Festival
Pontevedra
A simple gathering mostlyof senior citizens of Pontevedra characterized by a "binayle"at the town's public market.
Iloilo
Dinagyang
4th weekend of January
Iloilo City
A colorful cavalcade in honor of the Holy Child Jesus amidst the cracking drumbeats, Iloilo's version of the world famous Ati-atihan Festival.
Paraw Regatta
Movable
Iloilo Strait
A race among swift and colorful native outriggers in the strait between Iloilo City and Guimaras Island.
Fireworks Display and Contest
3rd Sunday of January
Arevalo, Iloilo City
Held in Arevalo, Iloilo City; features giant multi-colored fireworks.
Feast Of Our Lady Of Candles
February 2
Jaro, IloiloCity
Biggest and most opulent religious pageantry in Western Visayas with agro-industrial exhibits, garden shows, carnivals, and grand cock derbies, among others, that make Jaro fiesta the symbol of Iloilo's affluence and love for great celebrations.
Santacruzan Festival
April 24-May 31
Sta. Cruz, Arevalo,Iloilo City
Features May flower festival, grand processions and a contest of massive arches.
Pasungay
2nd Saturday of January
Bullfights staged at the hillside of San Joaquin, Iloilo.
Carabao-Carroza Race
Every May
Pavia, Iloilo
A race among carabaos each pulling a bamboo sled callled carroza, on a 40-meter course.
Hinugyaw
Last Sunday of January
Calinog, Iloilo
Festival similar to Ati-atihan of Kalibo and Iloilo City's Dinagyang.
Paghukom
Good Friday
Calinog, Iloilo
Lenten presentation depicting the judgment, crucifixion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Negros Occidental
MASSKARA FESTIVAL
Bacolod City
Every October
A masquerade ball and beaming images of smiling masks street dancing and stomping to the frenzied beat of Latin sambas; depicts the Negrenses happy disposition despite adversities in life.
PASALAMAT FESTIVAL
La Carlota City
Every May
Based on the tradition of giving thanks to the Gods of the elements after a bountiful harvest by the ancients in "Buglas".
KALI-KALIHAN FESTIVAL
Don Salvador Benedicto
Every November
Celebration of age-old practice showcasing ancient skills in martial arts and beliefs in the forces of nature; walking on live charcoal is one of the highlights.
PINTA FLORES FESTIVAL
San Carlos City
Every November
Coined from the words "pinta" and "flores", depicts the tradition of welcoming visitors through dancing as in the "pintados" during the coming of the Spaniards in the Visayas. Flowers instead of tattooes are painted on the bodies and costumes of the dancers.
CADIZ ATI-ATIHAN
Cadiz City
Every January
Festival in honor of the Sto. Nino, patron of Cadiz City believed to have created miracles protecting the city from the invading pirates long time ago.
SINULOG
Ilog and Kabankalan
Every January
Reenactment of the battle between the Christian forces and the invading Moro pirates in the Ilog river; commemorates the defiance of Datu Manyabog against the conquering forces of Gov. Emilio Saravia.