By Azer N. Parrocha
MANILA, (PNA) — With a month’s worth of preparation left, Kapampangans bring both local and foreign tourists a step closer to its upcoming culinary and cultural show, the ‘Duman Festival’.
The annual Duman Festival, now on its 12th year, is a show that showcases Kapampangan food while being serenaded by traditional and contemporary Kapampangan songs and performances.
According to the Department of Tourism Region III (DOT-III), it is celebrated in honor of the local Christmas delicacy called Duman, which is made from young gluttonous rice.
Planting of duman begins in June on the other hand, harvest season starts on November.
Duman originated from the tradition of pounding and winnowing unripe glutinous rice and turning it into a light pale gold or green delicacy called “duman”, reports from the Sunstar Pampanga indicated.
Aside from food and music, the event will also include a special presentation entitled “Gintu ing Kule ning Daya” (Gold is the Color of Blood) the choir, ArtiSta Rita.
“Gintu” is directed by a Sta. Rita native, Andy Alviz who also happens to be the resident choreographer of Miss Saigon Manila and producer of the famous album “Kapampangan Ku”.
The Duman Festival will be held this coming Dec 7, 5:00 p.m. at the Sta. Rita mega dike area of Barangay San Isidro, which is being promoted as a tourism attraction.
It used to be held at the Santa Rita Parish church, which served as the traditional venue of the event.