By George Jing Cawaling
KALIBO, AKLAN – Mayor Juris Bautista Sucro, President of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) – Aklan Chapter, has officially declared November 3, 2026 as the Opening Salvo for the 2027 Kalibo Señor Sto. Niño Ati-Atihan Festival, coinciding with the municipality’s historic 455th Foundation Day. This year’s celebrations carry added significance, anchored by the newly rehabilitated Kalibo Pastrana Park – now unveiled with a revitalized, welcoming appearance.
“Dual Milestone Marks Festival Kickoff”
The Opening Salvo on November 3 brings together two major milestones: the ceremonial launch of the Ati-Atihan season and the 455th founding anniversary of Kalibo. Following the opening ceremonies, preliminary activities will continue through November 4–7, sustaining community enthusiasm toward the main festival dates from January 7 to 17, 2027 – the widely celebrated “Mother of All Philippine Festivals.”
“Pastrana Park Unveils Transformed Image”
Central to this year’s preparations is the newly rehabilitated Kalibo Pastrana Park, which now stands as a revitalized landmark at the heart of the municipality. Enhanced walkways, restored facilities, improved landscaping, and open gathering spaces create a renewed public plaza – a fitting setting for both civic and festive gatherings.
“Iwag it Kalibonhon” to Illuminate Revitalized Plaza”
The municipal lighting tradition, “Iwag it Kalibonhon” (Light of the Kalibonhon), will cast its annual glow across the newly restored park and surrounding avenues. Massive Christmas lighting installations, a towering municipal tree, and colorful street lanterns will frame the plaza and main thoroughfares, blending the park’s fresh appearance with the warmth of the season.
“Municipal preparations are underway across several fronts:”
– Festive Installations: Construction and installation of the central Christmas tree, decorative lighting arrays, and suspended lanterns along key avenues
– Site Enhancements: Final improvements to pedestrian pathways, perimeter safety barriers, and traffic flow systems around the plaza
– Opening Night Program: Planning for the traditional mid-December public countdown, featuring a musical fireworks display and live performances set against the park’s restored backdrop
“Preparations Signal Confidence and Unity”
Mayor Juris B. Sucro and the Local Government Unit of Kalibo are overseeing comprehensive preparations to ensure safe, orderly, and inclusive celebrations. The reopening of Pastrana Park stands as both a practical upgrade and a symbolic milestone – reflecting a municipality investing in its public spaces while preserving its most cherished traditions.
“Important Dates”• Opening Salvo & 455th Foundation Day • November 3, 2026 • Preliminary Activities: November 4–7, 2026 • Main Ati-Atihan Festival: January 7–17, 2027.
