Aliwan Fiesta 2009: Ibon-Ebon Festival Pampanga

Candaba's Ibon-Ebon Festival is held on the first weekend of February to show wildlife protection in a sustainable environment. The townsfolk began celebrating the peak season of migratory birds, with the opening of the Candaba Swamp Wildlife Reserve as a new tourist destination. Candaba also happens to be the top producer of duck eggs which are usually made into balut, itlog na maalat (salted eggs) and a gourmet specially called burong ebon. The festival itself features bird-watching tours and an agro-trade fair with side activities like boat-racing, kite-flying, duck races, itik-cooking contest and the search for the best-dressed itik. The Ibon-Ebon float laden with bird-like objects representing both the Candaba's environmental concern and agricultural productivity - striking the balance of people's needs and sustainability. Kite-makers, parol-makers and other Kapampangan artisans designed the float, which also shows a representation of ther patron saint - San Nicolas de Tolentino. Visit the Aliwan and other sites: http://aliwanfiesta.com.ph/; http://www.aliwanfiesta.com/: