Angeles City was one of the towns badly affected by the Mt. Pinatubo eruption in the 90’s, and the withdrawal of the US military base from Clarkfield, Pampanga had a direct hit at the city’s spirit. But Angelenos proved resilient of these dire circumstances. Through the years, the city once known as “Culiat”, stood from the ashes of the eruption and flourished the city with incredible lights and sounds. Now, in every October of the year, a month long celebration of the people and their survival is commemorated through the KULIAT FESTIVAL!
Notably one of the most party-centric fiestas in the land, the Kuliat Festival is synonymous to culture, food and endless shindig. The party starts on the first of October with cultural nights, programs, food expos and various events throughout the whole month.
The second Sunday of the month is the FEAST OF OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY DE LA NAVAL which is celebrated by the Angelenos through a mass that draws a huge crowd. This gathering demonstrates the people’s devotion and gratefulness to the Blessed Virgin.
On the last Friday of October, another feast is celebrated. FIESTANG APU brings in devotees from various provinces and far off places in the country. Thousands of devotees flock to APU CHURCH in the city to get a glimpse and line up for hours to get to touch the statue of the Dead Christ, or as the locals know as “APUNG MAMAKALULU”. It is a symbol of hope and divinity for people with desperate problems.
After all the devotions and cultural celebrations, the Angelenos wrap it all up with an epic party. For the last weekend of the month, the whole stretch of Balibago, Angeles City will be closed for the famous “TIGTIGAN TERAKAN KENG DALAN” (Music and dancing in the streets). Visitors from different lands specifically enjoy this shindig which is reminiscent of the OKTOBERFEST celebrations from all over the world. Free flowing drinks and hundreds of food establishments are open till the wee hours of the morning to serve party goers. This two-day celebration marks the end of a vibrant and loud fiesta in Pampanga’s City of Lights.
To get there:
There are regular bus trips from Manila to Dau, Pampanga.
From Dau, ride a jeepney to the main city of Angeles.
Tricycles are also available.
By private car: From Manila, drive through NLEX and take the Angeles toll exit.
Photos from: https://www.facebook.com/angelescityinfo
