Tarlac City successfully held its vibrant annual fiesta in honor of its patron saint, St. Sebastian, on January 20, 2026. The celebration, spearheaded by Mayor Susan Yap, drew thousands of guests and was marked by a strong sense of faith and widespread community involvement.
A Celebration Rooted in Faith and Unity
The festivities commenced with a solemn Holy Mass, setting a spiritual tone for the event. This was immediately followed by a lively and symbolic boodle fight, where Tarlaqueños from all walks of life gathered around long tables to share a meal, embodying the bayanihan spirit that made the occasion a success.
Week-Long Lineup of Fiesta Highlights
The fiesta is a multi-day affair packed with activities for all ages. On January 21, one of the major draws was a massive Zumba session that energized over a thousand participants. The city has prepared a full schedule to keep the momentum going:
- January 22: The Miss Tarlac beauty pageant.
- January 23: A music festival for local talents.
- January 24: A colorful and energetic street dancing competition.
- January 25: A community fun run to promote health and wellness.
Overcoming Challenges Through Collaboration
Mayor Yap emphasized that despite facing budget constraints, the city managed to execute a meaningful and well-organized fiesta. This was achieved through crucial support from the Provincial Government under Governor Christian Yap, who co-sponsored the event. The mayor extended her gratitude to the people of Tarlac City for their cooperation and active participation, which are the true pillars of the celebration's success.
She also issued an open invitation for the public to continue joining the remaining activities prepared by the city government. It is worth noting that Tarlac City has two major annual celebrations: the St. Sebastian Fiesta every January and the Tarlac City Foundation Day held in April.
