Demok Fest is a lively Palauan celebration of their national soup hosted by Ngaraard state! At this event you may enjoy a delicious food market, live music, and fun games as well as taste the essence of Palau in Demok, our national soup. On the island we believe that nothing is lost, every resource is valued. The versatile taro plant exemplifies this, with each part used for creating side dishes, dessert, or our beloved Demok. The taro plant also has a deeper meaning to our culture.
In Palauan society, women have many responsibilities. One being taro cultivation, which is a prominent component in our culture. When cultivating a taropatch, it involves management of waterways. Because of this, Palauan women have been referred to as hydro-engineers. They routinely dig ditches to increase water flow or use organic material (tree trunks, branches) or plant various plants/trees to stop or slow water flow, depending on the condition of the taro farm (Jackson Wild Presentation by Madelsar Ngiraingas. 2019). The demanding process of taro cultivation instills a profound sense of gratitude for every single bite of taro-based cuisine.
Demok Fest: a cultural banquet for the senses, showcasing Palau's heritage and community spirit—a precious opportunity!
Location: Kuabes Beach Park
Month: February
