Festival and Events

Ati-Atihan Jan 10 - 19, 2015 Kalibo, Philippines Intertribal Acceptance Ati-Atihan is a story of intertribal acceptance, immigration, and transformation, but in short, it’s the story of the Philippines first real estate deal. In the 13th century, Malay refugees fleeing Borneo were allowed to settle in what is now the town of Kalibo in Aklan, Philippines, by the generous and darker-skinned Ati tribe. To honor their new friends for granting them refuge and territory rights, the emigrant Malay Datu tribe painted their skin with dark pigments and threw a feast for the ages. It wasn’t long until the Ati tribe, starving from a poor harvest, descended from their home in the mountains to enlist the help of the Datus. The people had not forgotten the Ati’s past kindness and returned the favor by feeding them. The Ati expressed their gratitude through song and dance.  

Chinese New Year Jan 31 - Feb 14, 2015 Hong Kong, China The annual celebration of Chinese New Year has grown out of this tradition of superstition. For thousands of years since, the Chinese have hung crimsoncolored lanterns to scare away the beast, giving the occasion its iconic color. Especially on the first day of the New Year, loud firecrackers, drums, and cymbals echo through the city, while fireworks and burning bamboo sticks keep the sky ablaze—all to keep the mythical Nian at bay. Chinese New Year - Feasting with Family Chinese New Year is a rejoicing of economic vitality and renewal. The country’s economy has been born out of a rich agricultural tradition, and the Spring festival marks the most auspicious time of year to set the intention for the upcoming planting and harvest. As such, it is also a time for family reunion, where all can come together and face the future with unity and optimism. The time for family is New Year’s Eve, with traditional feasting on sweet soup with dumplings, fish balls, noodles, and fried cakes. If you have friends who are locals, don’t feel shy to ask them if you can join their family dinner. You’ll see lots of little red envelopes passed from the elders to the young ones—gifts for the New Year. After dinner, many visit the fragrant flower markets at Victoria Park in Causeway Bay, or Fa Hui Park in Sham Shui Po in Kowloon. If you’re planning to give presents (a popular thing to do), the chrysanthemum signifies longevity, the peach blossom is associated with luck, and the kumquat trees embody prosperity. 

Dinagyang Jan 11 - 28, 2015 Iloilo City, Philippines The Origins Dinagyang is a recent celebration of the Ati-Atihan traditions. It began in 1967 when Reverend Ambrosio Galindez introduced the Iloilo islanders to the power of the image of Santo Niño. The image of the Holy Child was given a proper parade from the airport to town and the rest is history. The festival was first called the Iloilo Ati-Atihan but was later changed to Dinagyang to further distinguish it, but the core values remain. What started out small as a welcome for the image of the Santo Niño steadily grew and adopted traditions from the much larger and more established Ati-Atihan in Kalibo. It really grew when the tourism board stepped in the 70’s a supported the event as a way to build tourism in the region.  The festival took a turn for the fun in 1976 when spectators became participants as they were welcomed to dance side by side in the streets with the tribal dancers.

 Dance, Dance Revolution More than anything this festival is about dance, a cathartic and wild release from the routines of daily island life. The costumes are fantastic and otherworldly. This event is colorful beyond your expectations, if you have been to Rio Carnival - you will still be impressed. In its modern incarnation, the main attraction of the festival consists of "tribes", or "tribus", representing the original Ati tribe dance of celebration. Tribe members must darken their skin to mimic the color of the Ati.  Strictly indigenous materials can be used for the costumes which are nothing short of spectacular. Feathers, bones and face paint can make for some intimidating costumes, but these natives are friendly. Dances are tightly choreographed to a wild drumbeat, with no bigger blowout than the Grand Parade.  The Saturday preceding the Ati Parade is a dance celebration, the Kasadyahan Festival, that gives thanks in the form of dance as a tribute to the Creator. It’s colorful and a fitting warm up to Sunday’s epic dance-off and a great start to the weekend.