Activities for the town fiesta of Santa Rita, Pampanga was launched last March 16, 2026, in front of the Municipal Hall during its regular flag-raising ceremony. The Local Government Unit (LGU) led by Mayor Reynan S. Calo serves as this year’s committee-in-charge with the Vice-Mayor, Sangguniang Bayan members, and department heads as organizers.
This year’s theme, “Pamagpuge da reng Ritenians kang Apung Dita, Simbulu’t Tetagan ning Bayung Santa Rita,” focuses on offering thanksgiving to the town’s patron saint, Santa Rita de Cascia. The celebration also coincides with the 300th year anniversary of the founding of the Parish Church of Santa Rita.
Aligned with Mayor Calo’s vision of making Santa Rita a recognized agritourism and heritage lifestyle hub, the fiesta program is packed with cultural activities that promotes citizen participation through the involvement of all Barangay Chairpersons and Sangguniang Kabataan members.
“We encouraged our officials and local leaders to invite the private sector to be involved in our activities,” Calo said. Through his “Bayung Santa Rita” development framework, Calo intends to make each fiesta activity more relevant and enjoyable.
The inter-barangay activities for the town fiesta include the basketball tournament, Zumba competition, and the Mutya at Ginoo ning Santa Rita. Local activities annually scheduled are retained by the committee, such as the Bingo Socials, Grand Raffle, and Ritenian Homecoming Ball for balikbayans.
“The Putiucan Festival is open to areas outside the municipality,” Calo added.
Putiucan is an interpretative street dance for “Apung Dita” (Kapampangan affectionate name of Saint Rita) attributed to roses and bees.
The LGU also pledged its support to Parish activities such as the Grand Marian Procession and the Visit of the Piligrim Image of the Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaoag.
All the activities are scheduled on the month of May and will culminate on May 22, the feast day of St. Rita de Cascia.