🌊 Discover Santa Rita, Samar
Santa Rita, Samar is a hidden gem in Eastern Visayas, quietly nestled by the San Juanico Strait. Just across the famous San Juanico Bridge from Tacloban City, this picturesque municipality blends rustic charm with jaw-dropping natural beauty. Known for its warm people, scenic views, and deep-rooted traditions, Santa Rita is the perfect side-trip, for travelers who want a taste of authentic Samar life.
🏞️ Must-See Landmarks and Attractions
Santa Rita is home to one end of the San Juanico Bridge, the longest bridge in the Philippines. This iconic structure is not just an engineering marvel but also a favorite photo spot for tourists. Beyond the bridge, explore Caluwayan Palm Island Resort, with white sand, turquoise waters, and limestone formations that rival El Nido. Adventure lovers can trek through Binongtoan Falls or hop on a boat to see undeveloped islets and coves dotting the coast.
🎭 Culture and Language
Santa Rita proudly carries the rich Waray-Waray heritage. The locals are fluent in Waray, though many can also speak Filipino and English. Here, traditions are sacred, families are close-knit, and respect for elders and the bayanihan spirit is very much alive.
🍲 Taste of Santa Rita
Your visit wouldn’t be complete without trying local delicacies like tamales, suman latik, and fresh seafood caught daily from the nearby strait. Street vendors often sell Waray specialties like moron (a chocolate-infused sticky rice treat) and binagol, a sweet and nutty taro-based delicacy served in a coconut shell.
🎉 Vibrant Festivals
Every August, the town lights up with the Alimango Festival, a celebration of Santa Rita’s bountiful crab harvest. Expect street dances with dancers dressed as giant crabs, colorful floats, and food feasts. The Fiesta of Sta. Rita de Cascia is also celebrated in May with novenas, processions, and community merriment.
🎶 Music and Rhythms
Traditional Waray songs and dances are part of every local celebration. Kuratsa, a lively courtship dance, is often performed during fiestas and weddings. Local music is a mix of folk, Visayan ballads, and modern pop with a regional twist.
📍 What Santa Rita is Known For
Santa Rita is best known for:
- Being the gateway to San Juanico Bridge
- Seafood bounty and coastal cuisine
- Alimango Festival
- Scenic eco-tourism like Caluwayan Beach and hidden waterfalls
