Tourists, devotees flock as Ati-Atihan, Sinulog festivals in full swing

Tourists and devotees of the Santo Niño flocked to Aklan and Cebu for the festivals honoring the Child Jesus.

The culminating activities for Aklan's Ati-Atihan Festival and Cebu's Sinulog Festival, such as the grand parade, will be held on Sunday, January 19.

According to a ''24 Oras Weekend'' report by John Sala of GMA Regional TV on Saturday, Ati-Atihan dancers in Kalibo donned colorful and unique costumes for the tribe competition, creating a visual feast for visitors. Ati natives were also in attendance.

“Wonderful… The costumes and the music [are the best part of the festival],” said tourist Niall Henshaw.

“We only came yesterday, but the parade so far has been a good experience. We went to church this morning. It’s a very new experience for me,” added tourist Bernadette Torre.

In Cebu, devotees affirmed their faith in the Santo Niño as different vessels participated in Saturday's fluvial procession.

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Fr. Jules Van Almieres, media liaison officer of the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, told GMA Regional TV Balitang Bisdak that up to 355 vessels sailed the Mactan Channel.

This is more than the 329 vessels that registered earlier.

Devotees brought with them their images of the Blessed Virgin and the Santo Niño.

Devotees also participated in grand processions for the Santo Niño in Tondo, Manila, and Midsayap, Cotabato. 

— Jiselle Anne Casucian/VBL, GMA Integrated News