Aside from serving as the window to each new calendar year, the month of January is also the time when religious and cultural events or fiestas such as the Ati-atihan, Sinulog, and Dinagyang festivals are celebrated in the Philippines, among the key ones of which are held in (but not limited to) the Visayas.

(Video from youtube.com; posted by binagun01 05.02.08)

 It is around the second week and though the third Sunday of January, the Ati-atihan and Sinulog festivals, which are both in honor of the child Jesus (Santo Nino), are celebrated. The Ati-atihan is held in Kalibo, Aklan while the Sinulog is held in Cebu City, Cebu. There is also another variant of the Sinulog - the Sinulog sa Kabankalan at Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental.

On the fourth Sunday of January, the Dinagyang festival is held in Iloilo City, Iloilo to honor the Santo Nino and to celebrate the arrival on Panay island of the early Malay settlers and their subsequent purchase of the island from the then native inhabitants (ie, the Atis).

That the Ati-atihan, Sinulog, and Dinagyang festivals - Visayan festivals held in January - continue to be commemorated in these modern days inspite of hard times underscores their significance which goes beyond the mere dancing and dining during the time of the fiesta. There is always hope that springs eternal - for a better future with the basic ingredients of faith, perseverance, and determination.

(Video from youtube.com; posted by arellevalla 01.19.08)

(Video from youtube.com; posted by reysibayan 05.03.08)