SEVENTY-ONE modern and tribal ati-atihan groups will invade Kalibo town in Aklan on November 4 for the opening salvo of the annual Sto. Niño Ati-atihan Festival.
Apol Zaraspe, chairman of the Kalibo Sto. Niño Ati-atihan Management Council Incorporated (Kasamaco), said the opening salvo is the official start of the series of activities for the annual event.
"We call it a time of thanksgiving, devotion and gratitude for all the blessings we all received in honor of the Child Jesus or Sto. Nino," Zaraspe said.
The tribes, after a short program, will perform in major streets in Kalibo and everyone is welcome to participate.
The annual Kalibo Ati-atihan is held every third week of January.
Zaraspe said the opening salvo will also be celebrated as part of Kalibo's founding day anniversary.