The 27th Sinukwan Festival (SF) officially kicked off on November 12 with a vibrant ceremony held at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga. This year’s opening marked not only the celebration of Kapampangan culture but also a powerful testament to the province’s resilience and commitment to preserving its rich heritage. Inspired by the energy and enthusiasm of the youth, the festival serves as a reminder of the enduring spirit of the Kapampangan people, who continue to honor their roots while looking forward to a bright, unified future.
Led by a board of trustees and organized by the Foundation for Lingap Kapampangan Inc. (FLKI) / Save Pampanga Movement, the festival celebrates the essence of Kapampangan culture through cultural revivals, street dances, contests, and trade fairs that honor Pampanga’s heritage and venerate the ancient Kapampángan god, Áring Sinukuán.
The inaugural event launched SF 2024 with welcome messages from BSP executives, opening remarks, traditional performances, MOA signing with venue partner Robinsons Starmills represented by Regional Marketing Head Ma. Theresa Gonzales and Marketing Manager Lavern Aquino, and press conference discussing the festival’s history and importance.
FLKI President Engr. Fer Caylao emphasized that the festival offers a platform to showcase Kapampangan arts and culture while engaging the youth to take on leadership roles in future celebrations. “The Sinukwan Festival mirrors our roots, showcasing our beginnings like an enduring shadow that’s always with us, impossible to detach,” he shared. “When I look at our children, I see a glimmer of hope that reminds me of our resilience and the legacy of our Save Pampanga founders. Yes, it has been 27 years, and we intend to pursue this legacy. Every time I see the younger generation, we are inspired and motivated to preserve and prolong the Sinukwan Festival, honoring the courage and unity that have carried us forward and will continue to inspire generations to come.”
FLKI Vice President Dr. Lourdes Javier added, “This year’s theme, Kulturang Amana, Sukat Ipamana, centers on the rich history of the Save Pampanga Movement—a story of resilience, courage, and hope. It reminds us of when lahar nearly erased our beloved province, but from the ashes, a new generation has risen. This generation inspires and motivates us, showing that even in the face of adversity, we can rebuild, grow, and thrive. They carry forward the legacy of the movement, driving us to protect and cherish Pampanga for future generations.”
This year’s celebration offers a diverse lineup of events designed to attract tourists. SF 2024 Chairperson and GNN TV44 Network Manager Benny Guinto alongside Co-Chaiperson Ricardo Jun Pineda Jr., announced that the festival will feature a vibrant celebration of Kapampangan culture and heritage from November 17 to November 30, 2024.
Guinto detailed the festivities, which will begin on Sunday, November 17, with exhibit openings, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, the Lakan Ning Sinukwan coronation, and a food and crafts fair known as Gayak at Piblas. The day will also include a quiz bee on Kapampangan culture and a lively drum and lyre competition for elementary and high school students.
Throughout the festival, events will highlight the Kapampangan people’s rich traditions and talents. November 18 will feature the Kurang-Kurangan inter-town cooking competition and the Prinsesita Ning Sinukwan pre-pageant and coronation for students. From November 27 to 29, a Kapampangan dance workshop will be offered, allowing participants to learn and preserve traditional dance forms.
The festival will also showcase creative competitions, including a hip-hop contest and spoken word poetry on November 19, a battle of the bands chaired by Dr. Jocelyn Fernando on November 26, and storytelling, songwriting, and musical performance events on November 20. These activities will emphasize community creativity and musical talent, with high school students participating in advocacy video crafting as part of the Lakan at Lakambini Ning Sinukwan pre-pageant.
On November 30, the festival will culminate with a grand street dance competition and a free interpretative dance contest. Other notable events include the Ing Talaturung Kapampangan, the Lakambini Ning Sinukwan coronation, and a workshop titled Magpamana king Kulturang Amana for teachers on November 21.
The Sinukwan Festival began in 1998 as a way to uplift spirits during challenging times. Over the years, it has grown to include various towns, uniting communities to honor Sinukwan, the deity of agriculture, fertility, and music.
The board of trustees includes Chairman Jose Lazatin, President Engr. Ferdinand Caylao, Vice President Dr. Lourdes Javier, Treasurer Theresa Laus, Secretary Atty. Mariano Domingo Santiago, Trustees Rolando Rodriguez and Irwin Nucum, along with Council of Advisers Dr. Elita Flor Umali and Rev. Fr. Restituto Lumanlan. Other notable members include CLTV 36 President Sonia Soto, renowned artist Peter De Vera, Fernando Santos, Myrna Bituin, City Tourism Officer Ching Pangilinan, Engr. Engracio Sapnu Jr., and media professional Wency Marin, with Zenaida Canlas serving as the administrative assistant.