Aklan
Aklan is one of the provinces here in the Philippines. Its capital is in Kalibo. It is located northwest of Panay, and is divided into ten seven municipalities.
Geography
Altavas
Ballet
Banga
Batan
Buruanga
Ibajay
Kalibo
Lezo
Libacao
Madalag
Makato
Malay
Malinao
Nabas
New Washington
Numancia
Tangalan
Culture
Although Christianity was widespread, Aklanon beliefs in ghosts and babaylan were still prevalent among the people. The witchcraft of many people here is still feared.
Celebrations
The province is known for its annual Ati-Atihan Festival in Kalibo, which is usually held every third week of January. The festival is a feast for Santo Niño or the Baby Jesus, and is also said to commemorate the arrival of the Spaniards, and also the arrival of the Catholic religion.
Literature
The Aklanons are known for their literature, which includes the epic Kalantiao. Currently, there are Aklanons like Melchor F. Cichon who are trying to further develop the province's literature.
History
Aklan, now known as Capiz, was called "Minuro it Aklan" by refugees from Borneo in 1213. Because of this, Aklan is considered the oldest province in the country. It is one of the three areas that make up the island of Panay. The other two are Hamtic (now Antique) and Irong-Irong (now Iloilo). The name of the first leader of Aklan was Datu Bangkaya. Towards the end of the fourteenth century, Datu Dinagandan moved the capital from present-day Batan. This happened after it was occupied by Chinese travelers under Kalantiaw, which paved the way for him to seize the throne. In 1433, Kalantiaw's grandson and heir Kalantiaw III enacted laws called the present Code of Kalantiaw. A historian named William Henry Scott claims that these laws are fake. In 1437, the short reign of Kalantiaw's clan ended when Kalantiaw III was destroyed in a duel against Datu Manduyog, the legitimate heir of Datu Dinagandan. When Manduyog ruled, he moved the capital to Bakan (now called Banga). Some datu also followed Manduyog until Miguel Lopez de Legaspi arrived in Batan in 1565. The leader at that time was Datu Kabanyag and his capital was Libacao. From the time Spain ruled the Philippines until the Philippines was established as the national language, Aklan was spelled "Acean", and its main town Kalibo was spelled "Calivo". Aklan became a separate province from Capiz according to Republic Act 1414 signed by President Magsaysay on April 25, 1956. Aklan was officially recognized on November 8, 1956.
Language
Aklanon and Malaynon are the languages spoken by most Aklan people. Their other languages spoken are Ati, Hiligaynon, Kinaray-a, and Capiznon.
Religion
Roman Catholicism is the main religion of Aklan. Aklan people value celebrations such as Christmas and Lent.
Ati-Atihan Festival — Celebrated every third week of January every year in honor of Santo Niño.
Economy
Aklan is famous for its Boracay, which is an island suitable for visiting tourists. It is one kilometer away from the northern tip of the island of Panay. It is known for its white sand beaches and is considered one of the most popular resorts in the country. As a result, many travel to Kalibo and Caticlan. Farming is the main livelihood in the interior while fishing in the outdoors. The poorer people in Aklan move to other provinces and islands based on the rotation of the harvest to work as harvesters, especially in Negros. Some of these groups are minors. Although tourism and farming are thriving in Aklan, it is still considered one of the poorest areas in the Philippines as more than 30% of its population is under the so-called International Poverty Line.
Festival :
Ati-atihan is one of the happiest festivals in the country. It began in the thirteenth century in Aklan where the Negritos lived. It is said that foreigners came from Borneo and the Negritos did not like it so there was a war between them. In order to have peace the foreigners started the conversation. It was so successful that the celebration took place. Ati-atihan means "to be Ati" or "to look like Ati." The smearing of black powder from "carbon" was done by the foreigners to show their desire to live peacefully with the Negritos.
With the passage of time, Ati-atihan is celebrated during the harvest season. But during the Spanish period it was celebrated during the Santo Niño festival. Currently, participants in this festival apply a dark powder on their body, wear colorful ornaments and dance as if jumping on the drums. What this festival values is Santo Niño and the customs and culture of the Ati.
It is a festival frequented by tourists, both local and foreign, to witness a colorful, fun, historic and important celebration dedicated to Santo Niño.
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