By Cecil Docto, ABS-CBN North America Bureau

January 17, 2012

VANCOUVER B.C.–The annual Ati-Atihan celebration in Vancouver has been hailed by the local Filipino Canadian community as one of the most important cultural festivals in the city.

Filipino Canadian Aklanons, along with the rest of the participants, yelled “Viva Santo Nino”, as the familiar drum beats of the Ati-Atihan reverberated on the streets.

Groups in colorful headgear and costumes competed for the best Ati-Atihan tribe awards.

The highlight of the festival is the re-enactment of the barter of Panay, depicting how Borne an settlers offered jewelry, clothes and the golden “Sialkot” to the Aetna’s, and how Spaniards introduced Christianity and the Sot. Nino to Panay inhabitants. WATCH HERE.