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CV PAN Crowds watch parade
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SV Dancers in tribal dress (2 shots)
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CU Costu???d dancers in parade
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SV Students in parade (2 shots)
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GV Tribal dancers with skull and crossbones sign
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GV Carnival sign PAN DOWN TO dancers
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SCU Crowd following parade
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SV Tribal dancers past camera
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Initials AE/18.50 AE/19.00



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: A traditional religious ceremony in the Philippines is proving to be a big tourist attraction.

The Ate-atehan Mardi Gras ties up Iloilo City in the southern Philippines for an entire weekend. Officially it celebrates the feast day of a local patron saint...in fact, it becomes a "tribal" rite, as citizens dress up to resemble the aboriginal peoples who once dominated the area.

Preparation begin months in advance...elaborate costumes are made for the parade through the streets, and cash prizes paid to the most original performers. During the celebrations, even the police take time off to join in the festivities. The festival ends with a religious precession. The status of the patron saint, Sanota Nino is carried around the city, escorted by prancing "tribesmen," tourists and merrymakers.