MAY, along with December, is perhaps the busiest and merriest month in the Kapampangan calendar with the abundance of festivities that take place at this time every year. Pampanga becomes a more vibrant place to visit because of this.
First on our list of merrymaking is the traditional annual reception and ball of the oldest social organization in Pampanga, the El Circulo Fernandino. Now on its 95th year, El Circulo Fernandino’s ball will take place on May 2, 2015 at the Heroes Hall, City of San Fernando, Pampanga. A veritable list of who’s who in Kapampangan social circles will converge at this event for the rigodon de honor and a night of dancing. This year’s ball is led by Lady President Lina Francisco Velez and President Mark Edison Chua.
While El Circulo Fernandino still pays homage to its tradition of grandeur and old world elegance, it has evolved to become a more democratic and socially responsible private organization these days. One of their most notable projects to date is the urban greening effort on the islands along the JAS Avenue.
The town of Mexico is commemorating its annual town feast in honor of Santa Monica every fourth day of May. Aside from the religious observances, cultural events such as the Mutya ning Mexico pageant have become staples that people look forward to. This year’s Mutya ning Mexico Coronation night will be held on May 3, 2015 at the Mexico town proper as 37 lovely candidates vie for the much coveted crown. Other attractions for which Mexico is known include the Mais Festival, a tribute to its agricultural industry and heritage.
Another must-visit this May is the town of Santa Rita which celebrates the annual feast of its patroness Santa Rita de Cascia every 22nd of May. In addition to the church-related commemorations, the Santa Rita Municipal Government has also prepared civic and cultural activities to add to the festivities. The Santa Rita Got Talent grand finals will be held on May 18 at the town proper while the Mutya ning Santa Rita coronation night will take place on May 20, also at the town proper.
The City of San Fernando which observes its fiesta on May 30 annually has also prepared week-long festivities that bring color and pageantry to the religious and cultural feast. The Little Miss Fernandino pageant will have its grand coronation night on May 28 at the SM Pampanga Event Center while the Mutya at Lakan ning San Fernando Coronation night will take place on May 29 at the Amphitheater, SM Pampanga.
Other festivities included in the Pyestang Fernandino calendar are the launching of the search for the Outstanding Fernandino Awards 2016, Ms. Gay Fernandino Festival Queen, Tilbury Race, Fernandinos Got Talent, Kapampangan Variety Show, Serenata at Polosa, and many more.
May 30 also marks the grand coronation night of the much-awaited Mutya ning Angeles 2015. This year’s pageant will be held at the Grand Palazzo Royale, Angeles City. This celebration of beauty will be a fitting end to cap the various festivities in Pampanga this month.
I do hope that locals and visitors alike will find reasons to take part in the Kapampangan merrymaking this month of May and beyond.