Santa Rita

Welcome to Santa Rita, Pampanga, a charming municipality nestled in Central Luzon, where heritage lives in every bite of turrones de casoy and every beat of Kapampangan pride. Known as one of the oldest towns in Pampanga, Santa Rita may be quiet in size, but it roars with culture, cuisine, and centuries-old traditions!

Santa Rita boasts a collection of heritage houses and religious landmarks that transport you to the Spanish colonial period. The Santa Rita de Cascia Parish Church, built in the 1800s, is a must-see for its grand stone facade and solemn ambiance. Around town, ancestral homes line the narrow streets, each telling stories of past generations.

This isn’t your usual travel stop, and that’s the beauty of it! Santa Rita is a low-key destination for those seeking calm walks, heritage appreciation, and food discoveries. Make sure to visit the Casa San Miguel Heritage House and nearby pasalubong centers offering traditional Kapampangan delicacies.

Santa Rita proudly keeps Kapampangan traditions alive. Locals are warm, devout, and deeply rooted in community life. The culture here is a blend of Spanish influence and native Filipino customs, especially evident during fiestas and local celebrations.

Kapampangan is the main language spoken, but you’ll hear plenty of Tagalog and English too. Expect big smiles, warm hospitality, and a few jokes thrown in, because Santa Ritenos are known for their good humor and strong sense of community!

Let’s talk sweets! Santa Rita is famous nationwide for its turrones de casoy, a melt-in-your-mouth delicacy made of crunchy cashews wrapped in wafer-thin caramelized sugar. Also don’t miss the sansrival, empanada de kaliskis, and traditional kakanin like duman and sapin-sapin.

The Duman Festival, held every December, is Santa Rita’s most celebrated event. This vibrant gathering honors the traditional preparation of duman, a rare green rice delicacy made from glutinous rice. Expect street dancing, culinary showcases, music, and a festive air that smells like toasted rice and sweet joy!

Santa Rita celebrates music through religious choirs, brass bands during processions, and local acoustic performances during town fiestas. While modern music is enjoyed, traditional Kapampangan songs still echo through family gatherings and public events.

• Turrones de Casoy
• Duman Delicacy
• Old Spanish-era Church
• Heritage Homes
• Warm, tight-knit community