For pepper enthusiasts or those who just enjoy a fun time, the annual Mangilao Donne’ Festival is a must-visit for those in Guam. This year it will be held Sept. 11-13.

Donne peppers (pronounced doe-nee) are very important, not only to the Mangilao Village but also for 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.

In 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.” 

This summer, although Super Typhoon Bavi struck the island and caused a substantial amount of damage to the Market Grounds, the village of Mangilao has decided to hold its popular annual festival at full scale to preserve its rich tradition, according to the event provider.

On Aug. 13, Mangilao kicked off 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 Thursday event.

In addition to the weekly 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 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. 

According to Ungacta, the special weekend event will be filled with live entertainment and cultural performances. Other activities like Kadun Pika, Dinanche, Pika Dessert and slinging competitions, local foods, arts and crafts and family-friendly game booths and rides are also planned.

“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 Sport,” Ungacta said.

So, mark your calendar and head to Mangilao on Sept. 11-13!

Things to know

• Period: Sept. 11- 13

• Hours: Fri., 5-9 p.m.; Sat. and Sun., 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

• Location: Mangilao Market Grounds, next to Santa Teresita Church on Route 10.

• Phone: 671-734-2163/5731 (Mangilao Mayor’s Office)

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