7 Festivals in Aklan All Year Round That Should Definitely Be on Your Radar

When: Every first weekend of January

Started in January 2013, this festival in Aklan was inspired by Kalibo Sto. Nino Ati-atihan Festival is considered the mother of Philippine Festivals. The Boracay version highlights the ati-atihan parade at the front beach, the participation of real Ati’s, the aborigines, and the fluvial procession. This is usually done on the first weekend of January of every year. The local government of Malay, Aklan, has decided to upgrade its status as a festival of Boracay after seeing January 2024, when several tourists came, which was more than the usual Love Boracay.

When: Every February 11

This festival in Aklan was first introduced by the Barangay Yapak Council last February 11, 2024. This was held at Puka Beach, famous for its Puka Shells. Here, residents reinvent the tradition of their ancestors of picking puka shells at their beach. The Yapak villagers hope to repeat the festival yearly to lure tourists and enjoy the tradition. Because it is illegal to bring home the shells and the sands because of an ordinance of the Malay council, the picked puka shells should be returned to the sea. The joy of the experience comes from the delight of picking the first colorful puka shells at the beach.

When: Every February 24

The full moon festival has been held for several years by the different bars in Boracay in cooperation with the local government. Here, tourists enjoy the full moon with disc jockeys, acoustic music, and beers. The last Full Moon Festival was held on February 24 at the Greenyard in Bulabog.

When: April 23

Happened only on April 23, 2017. Every April and May of every year in Boracay was known to be a ‘lumot’ season. The Lumot battle was organized then by the Boracay residents to commemorate the child games of their ancestors. Here, the residents go out together on the beach to swim and make ‘lumot’ balls and throw poking fun at each other for an hour.

According to the residents, the tradition has been a favorite childhood game of their ancestors long ago, and tourists have yet to discover the island. This festival in Aklan was supposed to be held every year, but in 2018, then President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the six-month closure of Boracay. This year, Boracay elders are still contemplating when to revive the Lumot Battle. Hopefully, next year!

When: Every last week of April

This festival in Aklan is formerly called Laboracay. It originated from the term Labor Day as the town of Malay celebrates the feast day of St. Joseph the Laborer every May 1. It was once known as the center of partying every year. However, after the six-month closure of this resort island because of environmental degradation in 2018, the stakeholders replaced it with the term Love Boracay which now highlights the environmental awareness for tourists and residents to ensure the ecological sustainability of this resort island. Activities include seminars on the care of the environment, and sea sports competitions, among others. The event is usually a week-long celebration starting from the last week of April of every year.

When: Every May 1

Also known as the Obreros Festival. The Malay town’s original festival is held every May 1 at the Poblacion, Malay on the mainland. It is a form of street dancing competition and performance where participants do a dance interpretation of the challenges of labor. The participants of the street dancing came from the schools of the different barangays in Malay, Aklan.

When: Every December 28

The original Yawa Yawa Festival is held every December 28 at Barangay Maloco, Ibajay Aklan, one hour away from Malay by land. The traditional concept of the festival is a local version of a trick-or-treat game every Halloween with a twist. The word Yawa Yawa is behaving like a devil. Barangay Argao, Malay Aklan's residents have adopted the tradition for years. The Barangay Argao, Malay, every December 28, dresses up like devils and does street dancing with their respective devil-like costumes. They roam around the streets, asking for donations either for food or money. The residents wearing devil-like costumes have been harmless for years and only wanted to have fun. The Catholic Church has allowed the said tradition to flourish because it commemorates the day when King Herod ordered the massacre of infants to find Jesus.

Visit Yoorekka for more exciting festivals and events in the country!