The Provincial Government of Pampanga is set to celebrate the 3rd Manyaman Festival and Kapampangan Food Month on April 23.
Board Member Claire Lim, Sangguniang Panlalawigan Culture and Arts Committee chair, said the event will highlight the rich culinary tradition and culinary attractions of Pampanga.
Lim added the event is expected to promote Kapampangan cuisine to the world.
Manyaman Festival aims to conserve, preserve, and promote the Kapampangan culinary traditions and cooking practices and discover old and new trends and flavors in cooking.
The festival started in 2023 and was held in December. This year, the event was moved to April by virtue of Provincial Board Ordinance 863.
The Pampanga Culinary Heritage Committee recommended the transfer of the celebration month to keep up with the Filipino Food Month (FFM), also known as Buwan ng Kalutong Pilipino.
The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Philippine Culinary Heritage Movement are spearheading the month-long celebration for Filipino Food Month 2024.
The festival will be launched with "Manyaman: A Kapampangan Food Exposition" at the Rainwater Park in Megaworld Capital Town on April 23.
An Agri-Business Trade Fair will run from April 23 to 25 at the same venue, showcasing local products and innovations in agriculture.
From April 25 to 28, participants will have the opportunity to explore various agri-tourism destinations through an Induction and Farm Tourism Site Tour and Immersion, including visits to Masantol Bamboo Park, Sta. Rita Eco Park, St. Isidore “The Farmer” Eco Agro Tourism Integrated Farm, and others.
On April 29, a grand cooking event titled "Manyaman Pampanga" will be held at SM City Pampanga Event Center.
It will be followed by the "Hotel and Tourism: A Farmers’ Congress" at the Benigno Aquino Hall.
The same day will also mark the official launching of the "Cuisine M.A. Pampanga Short Film Festival" at SM City Pampanga Event Center.