Ati-Atihan
DrinkFancy DressReligionStreet Parade
In the sixteenth century, a pious Spanish friar noted that among the Visayan people of the Philippines it was not quite proper to drink alone or to appear drunk in public. Drinking was always done in small groups or in “gatherings where men as well as women sat on opposite sides of the room”. The good friar would have revised his opinion if he had been to Ati-Atihan, a quasi-religious Mardi Gras where much of the fervour is fuelled by free-flowing locally brewed grog. Throw in the unending beat of massed drums and the average Filipino’s predisposition for a good party, and the result is a flamboyant al fresco rave that claims – with some justification – to be the biggest and most prolonged in the Philippines. And this, remember, in a country where fiestas are as common as sunny days.

To read more about this festival and hundreds of other parties around the world, order the Rough Guide World Party today.
Where?
Kalibo, Panay Island, The Visayas, The Philippines

When?
Mid-January

How Long?
2 weeks
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Full-colour throughout with detailed accounts of each major festival and insider tips on how best to enjoy each one. The useful 'festival keys' will help you to find the perfect world festival, from the best music, food and arts festivals to long-established religious celebrations to less ancient raves and fruit-throwing events.
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