years, Ati people also participated in the dance. The festival is viewed by some people living outside the Philippines, notably Filipino-Americans who call themselves "Filipinx", as "controversial", allegedly for the use of blackface. This has been disproved, as the coloring of the face and body of non-natives is an Ati-atihan tradition that predates the blackface phenomenon in the West. In fact, the coloring, by tradition, is meant to honor, not slander, the Ati people for their compassion towards non-Ati natives as recorded in the indigenous people's local history. References External links Kalibo Ati Atihan Photographs Ati-Atihan Festival Schedule Ati-atihan Festival Photos Cultural festivals in the Philippines Visayan festivals Kalibo Culture of Aklan Visayan culture Tourist attractions in Aklan January observances Christian Sunday observances