Santa Rita, municipality of the Philippines in the province of Pampanga
Santa Rita is a municipality in Pampanga province in the central Philippines, shaped like a pear and known for its farming tradition and easy highway access. The town consists of several neighborhoods including San Isidro and San Jose, where a historic church built in 1839 stands as a focal point of the community.
Settlement began in 1697 in an area called Gasac, now Barangay San Isidro, under the administration of neighboring Porac. In 1771 the community gained religious independence through Rev. Eustaquio Polina, and in 1839 the church was built under Rev. Francisco Rayo, marking the town's growing self-governance and religious identity.
The town takes its name from its patron saint Santa Rita de Cascia, whose relic is housed in the church and draws visitors seeking spiritual comfort. Residents celebrate their traditions through the annual Duman Festival and other local celebrations that bring people together around shared food and community values.
The town sits along an easily accessible main highway making it simple to reach for visitors wanting to explore its historic church and local treats. The best times to visit are during the Duman Festival in December or on the feast day of Saint Rita on May 22, when community celebrations take place.
The town is known for traditional sweets like turrones de casoy and sans rival, celebrated during the December Duman Festival and reflecting local craftsmanship. A new boundary marker features sculptures of farmers, fishermen, vendors and families, giving visitors a quick view of daily life through public art.
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