It’s still vivid. How the breeze of relaxation swept through the air sooner than expected, and how cheeks were turning red from laughter as December approached. No one can deny the excitement as the most anticipated, thrilling, and boisterous event of the university comes. Perhaps, it’s none other than the Ateneo Fiesta.
The most recent one was back in 2019. Even in early November, most, if not all, couldn’t suppress their excitement. Rooms were filled with shouts, thuds, and claps as students practiced for the yell competition. Halls were packed with loud footsteps as dancers rehearsed their choreographies. Covered courts were crammed with equipment as athletes gathered to train for the glory of their organizations.
In just a short period, December finally came. Blood, sweat, and perhaps a couple of tears were evident in daylight, as different teams clashed in the different sports tournaments. Dance pairs, on the other hand, showcased their flexibility as they competed in the dancesport showdown.
At night, selected pairs of students competed for the title of Ateneo Ambassadors. Various bands demonstrated their musical prowess, proving their talents in the Battle of the Bands. Crews faced off, performing their choreographies to earn the title of Ateneo Best Dance Crew. Last, but not the least, yell participants roared out their rhythms to match the energy worthy of a Hiyaw Ateneo champion.
The Ateneo Fiesta 2019 ended so well that some were already looking forward to the next one as soon as it ended. As each day passed, though, a glimmer of hope vanished. Due to the pandemic, the physical celebration of the fiesta became prohibited.
Time seems to go by so quickly that it has already been two years since such a week-long event happened. Consequently, December eventually feels different knowing it could have been the most enthralling month of the year.
For newcomers, the Ateneo Fiesta might just seem like a mere tale they’ve heard from their friends or classmates. But for those who have been there first-hand, it was truly a fantastic experience that eventually makes December very nostalgic. Someone oblivious of what is lacking in December might be unaware of the emptiness left behind by the absence of an Ateneo fiesta. However, the memory remains fresh in the minds of those who were there. One couldn’t just help but reminisce about it.
It’s still vivid. The early morning breeze that embraces you as one enters the campus grounds. The sun that lights up at the fresh beginning of the first day and the people that gather, form friendships, and create the best memories together.
The sound of loud cheers still pulsates through the air, as one reminisces the uproars of spectators cheering for their bets in the different competitions. The nostalgia of a pleasant ambiance in the afternoon that follows, with love birds flitting around the street corners.
Most of all, how could anyone forget the AtFest ambiance at night? The sight of colorful lights illuminating one’s eyes with a star-like glimpse. The mesmerizing fog that seeps from burning coals of barbeque grills, creating a magical scenery. The farewell of every student, faculty, alumnus, and even visitor as the celebration ends.
Each moment within that week of festivity becomes a remarkable memory in the lives of the Ateneo community. These were picturesque moments in time with simple peals of laughter and bouts of bliss. As these moments become typical, it might seem monotonous, dull, and unexciting—but it’s not. It’s a week of respite, one well-deserved and missed.
Unfortunately, as the pandemic persists, we still won’t be able to celebrate it in the traditional way. It’s disheartening to imagine that there is still no certainty for the next Ateneo fiesta to come. Time flies fast and for now, we hold on to the dear memories of the past fiestas, hoping to create more if time and circumstances permit it.
