TARLAC CITY, Tarlac (January 20, 2026) – Against a backdrop of fiscal uncertainty, the resilient spirit of Tarlaqueños in this week-long fiesta celebration in honor of its patron saint, Saint Sebastian, shone brightly.
With the official 2026 Annual Budget still pending approval three weeks into the new year, the much-anticipated celebration was poised for austerity. Instead, it became a powerful testament to the community’s bayanihan spirit.
“I think naramdaman nila (Tarlaqueños) na hirap ako sa pondo. Nagulat ako, people just pitched in. The Boodle fight, sa parade. Maraming mga business organizations, it’s so heartwarming, they all came to help out,” a thankful Mayor Susan Yap said before journalists.
Gone were the grandiose, imported stage productions and lavish celebrity concerts of fiestas past. In their place emerged a celebration meticulously woven together by the hands of its own people.
“Mabait ang Panginoon. The province became a co-sponsor, co-partner namin for this fiesta. For the first time, united po ang provincial capitol at Tarlac City government to bring the different events we have lined up for you,” Yap added.
The simpler fiesta celebration in this capital city was about the people. Ballroom dancing at the Plazuela – for the first time without an entrance fee, Zumba competition, toned-down Fiesta Music Festival, street dancing, fiesta tiangge, a fun run, and the Grand Coronation Night of Miss Tarlac City 2026.
