The Karabasa (squash) Festival of this town has returned after a hiatus due to the pandemic.

In an interview on Thursday, Mayor Michael Caleone Cruz said the festival, which runs from April 16 to 24, highlights the town’s products made of karabasa, an Ilocano term for squash.

“May karabasa noodles, powder, pandesal, at catsup. Maraming taniman ng karabasa sa mountainous areas (We have karabasa noodles, powder, pandesal, and even catsup. We have a lot of karabasa plantations in the mountainous areas of our town),” he said.

The town is also looking for new products made of squash hence the “101 Ways to Cook Karabasa” for dessert and pastry edition was held on Thursday with 30 participants.

Senator Imee Marcos attended the karabasa cooking activity during her visit to the province as she led the ceremonial distribution of financial assistance to different beneficiaries from the national government through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

The beneficiaries came from Urdaneta City, and the towns of Umingan and Pozorrubio, and each received PHP3,000.

To also encourage tourism and economic activity in the town, the grand float parade and street dance competition was held on April 16.

Cruz said among the highlights of their festival this year is the launching of the Umingan Abel (cloth) made by the indigenous people’s (IPs) tribes of the town.

“This the first Abel made by IPs in the province of Pangasinan,” he said.

The Abel products of the town such as bags are available at the Pasalubong Center of the town, he added.

Cruz said the Abel was also used in the costumes or wardrobes of the Mutya Ti Umingan (Jewel of Umingan) beauty pageant.

Through an executive order, Cruz has declared April 24 as a special non-working day in the locality to celebrate the last day of the festival through cultural presentations and fun activities.

Other activities include Bonsai Exhibit, Ginoong Umingan, Duathlon, Zumbarangay, Variety Show, and the coronation for the Mutya Ti Umingan 2023 on April 24. (PNA)