Tarlac City, Provincial capital in Central Luzon, Philippines
Tarlac City sits along the Tarlac River and spreads across plains and hills in the province of Luzon. The city serves as an administrative and commercial center with several districts grouped around the central area.
Residents from Bacolor in Pampanga founded the settlement in 1788 and named it after a type of grass that grew in the area at the time. Later the place developed into an important trading hub for agricultural products from the region.
The Malatarlak Festival in January features Aeta performances and draws visitors who watch dances and music from several regional traditions. The festival connects different groups and is celebrated with street parades and stage shows across the city.
The MacArthur Highway runs through the city and connects it to other destinations in northern Luzon via several bus companies. Travelers find lodging and dining in the central district, where markets and shopping centers are also located.
The Belenismo festival transforms the city every December into a large exhibition of nativity scenes that craftsmen create from wood, bamboo, and other materials. This festival has earned the city the title of Belen Capital of the Philippines and draws families from across the region.
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