Nina Tomen, author of the book Kuraldal Atlung Ari and Libad Bangka ng Apung Iru, Beyond Revelry, a definitive book about two of Pampanga's most important religious events that are largely unknown outside the province: the Kuraldal dance ritual performed during the feast of Sta. Lucia in our town and the fluvial procession of Apung Iru or St. Peter, the patron of Apalit, carried out during the town's 3-day fiesta beginning June 28.
Our town is blessed with rich culture and traditions for until now this two important religious events are still celebrate . Sasmuan has two fluvial procession from the feast day of St. John the Baptist every 24th day of June and on June 29, on the feast day of St. Peter the Apostle. The Kuraldal is also impart on the fluvial procession as devotees of Sta. Lucia, San Juan Bautista and Apung Iru dancing and dousing of water while marching band played kuraldal music and devotees shouting Viva! Apung Iru Viva!
These two tradition have been passed on to the present day because we valued, loved and preserved our heritage. This is not superstition. It is our identity being a Kapampangan, our belief as religious community, and our culture crafted by the wisdom of our ancestors meant for our survival because the river is our source of living. Now, we see the value of these traditions, our petition to our fellow cabalen is to continue these rituals by taking care of our environment specially our river. These are not superstitious beliefs, they are mechanisms for our survival, peace, and unity.