Hala Bira! Ati-atihan 2013 : Tribal, Modern, Balik-Ati Grand Parade

Good thing no major street parade took place the previous day for it rained the whole day.  The day started with a drizzle in the early morning. 

I was awaken by the beating of drums from a contingent passing by the street on their way to their assigned assembly area.  It's the grand parade today!

After my morning rituals, I went straight to McDonalds to have my breakfast.  It's already full of people, mostly travelers. As I was heading out to proceed to the assembly areas, another contingent was passing-by going to their assigned assembly area. 





Several diners went out to have their pictures taken with the participants.

Unlike other festival parades where spectators are kept at-bay, at the Ati-atihan spectators can join in the marching or jump-in to have their pictures taken with the ati-dancers.  Photographers - amateur, professional, hobbyist are all over, shooting to their hearts content.

From their respective assembly areas, the tribal and modern ati-dancers proceeded to the Pastrana park, go around twice before exiting.  

Their dance steps are straight forward and easy. It's as simple as two-steps forward, a step back with and optional turn-around.  No synchronization was necessary among the participants.

Young and old alike, of any shape and size participated in the competition as part of the contingent.  

The weather that morning was uncooperative.  A downpour or drizzle happened from time to time.  I stationed myself in front of a building that has a covered entrance so that when it rains, I just ran to the place for temporary shelter.

Since there are no limits as to where one can go with respect to the parade, several spectators frequently join in the dancing to have photos taken.  This can be both a headache to photographers or a bonus.  

Photographers would love the fact that one can really be up close with the participants making it not unnecessary for a zoom lens.

No, it's not chaos nor disorderliness during the the festival. Its plain merry-making to the max!

The grand parade was over just after lunch.  I did not anymore witness the afternoon festivities scheduled which was another parade, a socio-civic one.  The grand parade was more than enough - the main reason of my trip.