KALIBO, Aklan (PNA) — Aklanons all over the world are preparing for the simultaneous celebration of the famous Sto. Niño Ati-atihan Festival, which for decades have been organized by Aklanons who have migrated to various parts of the globe.

The simultaneous celebrations worldwide will kick off on Jan. 9 with massive Ati-Atihan drum beatings and street dancing in Canada, California and in Kalibo, capital city of Aklan, which is where the famous festival originated.

Ati-atihan versions in Saudi Arabia and in Tondo, Manila have yet to be determined but Aklanon migrants there are certain to be staging the Ati-Atihan to showcase Filipino culture.

Local Ati-atihan festivals in the different municipalities in the province will likewise take place. Among these towns are Ibajay, Makato, Altavas, Malinao and even in Boracay Island.

In Canada, Mayor Gregor Robertson, who last year declared an Ati-atihan day in Vancouver, will lead the festival in the City.

Staging the Ati-Atihan in Vancouver will be the first time that a Canadian city declare and recognizes a festival that is culturally unique and strange The staging of the Ati-Atihan is considered the first time for Vancouver, Canada to declare and recognize a festival that is culturally unique and foreign to Canadians.

"For the first time, a Filipino cultural event is given a special day in Canada to commemorate the Filipino-Canadian's community growing strength and presence in Vancouver's multi-sectoral fabric and to showcase and preserve Filipino culture. Be proud to be Filipino. Come and show support to the 2010 festival," Robertson said in a statement as he invited Filipinos in Vancouver to also support the event.

Robertson described the Ati-Atihan in Vancouver as a “spectacular” event.

Jojo Quimpo, President of the Aklanon Sto. Niño Association in British Columbia and organizer of the event in Vancouver, said that this year's revelry will be held at the St. Francis Xavier School Gym in Great Northernway Vancouver, BC. The event will start at 4:30 pm and will end 12 midnight.

"We should all be proud of Mayor Robertson’s declaration of an Ati-Atihan Day in Vancouver and I hope that we could all give our support to the said festival,” Quimpo said.