A Spice of Life: Don't Miss Mangilao Donne Festival Sept. 12-14

By Takaihiro Takiguchi • Stripes Guam

For pepper enthusiasts or those who just enjoy a fun time, the annual Mangilao Donne Festival is a must-visit for those in Guam.

Donne peppers (pronounced doe-nee) are very important not only to Mangilao Village, but the entire island, as the peppers are an essential ingredient in many of Guam’s favorite traditional dishes. Finadene, for example, is Guam’s signature spicy condiment without which no meal is complete.

“Donne is important to Guam and our people because we love to eat hot and spicy food,” said Mangilao Mayor Allan Ungacta. “It is commonly used in our signature dish called ‘Finadene,’ known as hot sauce.”

Peppers provide not just a variety of flavors to enhance cooking, but they may also be good for your health, according to the American Dietetic Association.

So, it is no wonder that Mangilao would be where locals can celebrate all things pika (Chamorro for ‘hot’) during its annual September festival.

On Guam, every village has a different festival to showcase its local agricultural products. While Talafofo has a banana festival and Agana Heights has a coconut festival, most locals in Mangilao grow donne. To promote the village and the donne plant, former Mayor Nito Blas and then Vice Mayor Ungacta, along with Guam Visitor’s Bureau, established the festival in 2011.

Today, the festival is known as an opportunity for Mangilao farmers, whether professionals or hobbyists, to show off and sell their best peppers and pepper products.

“The Donne’ Festival honors the island’s enduring connection to the donne’ (hot pepper), a key element of CHamoru cuisine and tradition,” Ungacta said. “This vibrant three-day celebration features local farmers, small businesses, food vendors, cultural performers, contests and family-friendly entertainment attracting thousands of residents and visitors each year.”

Mangilao is also known for its Thursday Night Market, a bustling place filled with various shops and stands selling local merchandise and traditional Chamorro dishes. And there are also live performances at various stages at the weekly event.

In addition to the weekly Mangilao Thursday Night Market, the upcoming special three-day weekend festival, which takes place next to Santa Teresita Church on Route 10, will feature an expanded selection of vendors offering products made with or inspired by the Guam’s beloved hot pepper. Visitors can expect dozens of booths dedicated to all things donne, including finadene, pika (hot-pepper jelly), barbecue, beverages, clothes, crafts and more, according to the event provider.

“Join us for a weekend filled with live entertainment, cultural performances, Kadun Pika competition, Dinanche Competition, Pika Dessert Competition, Slinging Competitions, local food vendors, food trucks, arts and crafts, novelties, local apparel, Guam Nursery Associations plants for sale, and family-friendly game booths and rides,” Ungacta said. “Experience the heat in our ‘Pika Challenge,’ shop from local entrepreneurs, and enjoy the vibrant community spirit that makes Mangilao the Village Capital of Education, Culture, and Sports!”

The unique festival spotlighting hot and delicious donne peppers is something that you won’t want to miss while you are in Guam. Mark your calendar and head to Mangilao on Sept. 12-14!