Ati-Atihan Festival, Kalibo, Panay

Carnivals, street parades and parties...these are the markers for the Ati-Atihan Festival. Known as one the largest events in the Philippines, this version of Mardi Gras marks the anniversary of the purchase of the Panay Islands by the indigenous Ati tribe. Thousands of revelers come to the island to listen to music, eat traditional fare and have handfuls of mud smeared across their faces.
This three day festival evolves from the street carnival, to the second day festivities in the bull ring marked by the traditional Chinese Snake dance and finally ending on the third day in a church for the purification of the soul.

Links

• Website: http://www.pinoylottowinner.com/2009/01/ati-atihan-festival-celebration.html