Though were be street dancing on the 11th, the best time to for the Ati-atihan would be the weekend – Friday, Saturday and Sunday – where participants would be wearing costumes already and it’s merrier. However, you may want to check out Magsaysay Park at night as there is some sort of parties (conga lines), live music, heaps of alcohol and food everywhere. There should be people already dancing in the streets but not as much as during the weekends where everything just goes crazy!

There should be buses from Caticlan to Kalibo during that time. There’s also vans and jeepneys. But double check because there might be a sudden rush of people due to the festival in Kalibo.

Cheers,

Ryan

My friends and I are going to be in Boracay from January 7-11 2010. Will there be festivities for the Ati-Atihan on the 11th? would it be worth attending for that one day? If so, where shall we stay? Nothing too fancy will do. Also, transportation from Caticlan to Kalibo shouldn’t be a big deal right?

Thanks,
anthony

Ati-atihan 2010 will be on 10-17 January (it will always be on the third week of January). The highlights will be on the third weekend so 15-16-17 of January 2010. The crowd will be heaps especially in the plaza, I am not sure if they altered the parade route and dates but usually it is on the morning of the third Saturday and starts at 7am and should traverse the road in front of Kalibo Pilot Elementary School and Magsaysay Park and Roxas Avenue. There would be crowds all over but it should be manageable except on Sunday whole day in the town’s Pastrana Park. Since Ati-atihan is a participative festival and everyone is encouraged to street dance, it’s not as bad as the other Philippine festivals.

Cheers!

Ryan

As far as I know, Sampaguita is the only hotel in the area. It is a very sleepy fishing port. The other ones closer would already be in Kalibo. You may try reach Sampaguita for advice and for the availability of their other rooms (or if there are any resorts in the area which we may have missed out on.)

Cheers,

Ryan

thanks,
joana

Will you be staying in Kalibo the entire time? You may check any of the places I mentioned earlier on – Where to Stay portion of this article. The Sampaguita Gardens is nice but it is at least 20 minutes away from Kalibo town. It is comfy, you are near the ocean and you may check some the stuff they have there – like the Christmas House. If you want to be near where the action is- La Esperanza (right next to a bus station- if ever you decide to hop on to one and hie off to Boracay), Garcia Mansion, Beachcomber Inn are your best bets. The Bakhawan Ecotourism Park is also an option.:)

Generally Kalibo is a safe place,but usually during peak season (and Ati-atihan of course- thousands of people descend from all over the country and even the world- so of course being extra streetsmart wouldn’t hurt.)

Otherwise,I am sure you are going to enjoy the festival- I havent booked my tickets for January yet! How much did you pay for yours and what airline?

Ryan

thanks.

Glad to be of help! You will love Kalibo Ati-atihan- it is very different from other Philippine festivals. Will come back again next year. :) Do not forget to take home some ampao and piña cloth! Oh yeah, just an advice, book your flights and hotel months in advance because January is a peak season..:)

Cheers

Ryan