APALIT

Apalit, officially the Municipality of Apalit (Kapampangan: Balen ning Apalit; Filipino: Bayan ng Apalit), is a municipality in the province of Pampanga, Philippines. According to the 2020 Census, it has a population of 117,160 people.

The name Apalit is believed to have come from the name of a large tree called Apalit (Pterocymbium tinctorium) that once grew abundantly in the area during pre-Hispanic times. The town’s history dates back to Spanish colonization, when it became an important settlement due to its location along the Pampanga River, which served as a vital waterway for trade and transport.

Apalit is renowned for its St. Peter the Apostle Parish Church, also known as Apalit Church, one of the oldest and most iconic churches in Pampanga, showcasing Baroque-style architecture. The town is famous for its grand annual celebration, the Apung Iru Fluvial Procession, held every June 28–30 in honor of Saint Peter. This colorful tradition features a river procession along the Pampanga River, where the centuries-old ivory image of St. Peter is paraded on a beautifully adorned pagoda, drawing thousands of devotees and tourists.

Today, Apalit thrives as a progressive municipality with a mix of urban and rural landscapes. It is known for its furniture-making, metal crafts, and thriving local businesses, while still preserving its deep cultural and religious traditions that define the community’s identity.