San Carlos City, Pangasinan

Our Heritage

History of San Carlos City

Etymology & Early Trade

In 1587, before the coming of the Spaniards, Binalatongan (original name of San Carlos; means a place where mongos thrived luxuriantly along its riverbanks) was already doing brisk trading activities (barter system) with the Chinese, Japanese, and Indian traders along its riverside settlements like Brgy. Mabalbalino. When the Spaniards came, they were surprised that the natives were wearing gold jewelleries and already had a well-developed system of agriculture.

Rebellions & Renaming

Binalatongan was a bastion of freedom fighters. Heroism was exemplified by native born heroes like Don Andres Malong (1660) and Juan de la Cruz Palaris (1762), who drove out the Spaniards from Pangasinan. Deeply embarrassed by these rebellions, King Carlos III of Spain ordered the town razed to the ground and renamed it to San Carlos. The name also references Saint Charles Borromeo, whose feast on November 4 coincided with the town's transfer in 1718.

The Lost Bell of Binalatongan — The Legend of the Lost Bell

The Legend of the Lost Bell

Binalatongan once had the largest church in the province, equipped with the biggest and most sonorous church bell in the country. Legend says the bell was irretrievably lost when the raft carrying it to a new site sank in the San Juan River. Old folks recall its weird and ominous sound could be heard throughout the Kasikis Kingdom. It is believed that the giant bell is now guarded by a mermaid living at the bottom of the river.

Cityhood

San Carlos has been considered the biggest and most populous town of Pangasinan since Hispanic times. It became a city on January 1, 1966, by virtue of R.A. No. 4487, sponsored by Congressman Angel B. Fernandez.

The Minor Basilica of Saint Dominic

The patron saint of the city is Saint Dominic de Guzman, founder of the Order of Preachers. He is credited for performing miracles in the city, including minimizing damage during World War II. The parish church built in his honor was once the biggest in Luzon.

The 430-year-old Saint Dominic de Guzman Parish Church (F-1587) is the oldest parish in Pangasinan. Declared by Pope Francis as the Minor Basilica of Saint Dominic on July 6, 2022, and solemnly proclaimed on January 14, 2023, it stands as a testament to the city's rich religious heritage.

The current site is its third location, completed in 1773. It was constructed from "ladrillo" (massive brick) and was the biggest church in the Philippines at the time, measuring 89 yards long and 22 yards wide. Despite being destroyed by earthquakes in the late 18th century, it was rebuilt and rehabilitated over the centuries.

The Mango-Bamboo Festival

Held every last Saturday of April, the Mango-Bamboo Festival is a cultural celebration promoting the city’s premier products: mangoes and bamboo. It serves as a thanksgiving for bountiful harvests and recognizes the invaluable work of local farmers.

San Carlos City is known as the "Mango-Bamboo Capital of the Philippines" and a trading center for these products. The festival features a float parade adorned with mango and bamboo decorations, street dancing competitions, and the prestigious Miss San Carlos City pageant.

In 2011, the city set a world record for the World’s Largest Mango Pie. The 100-square-meter pie, weighing 4,000 kilos (approx), was made from 2,000 kilos of ripe mangoes and shared among residents, highlighting the city's agricultural abundance.

Cultural Assets & Traditions

Ancestral Houses in Poblacion
Traditional Bamboo Crafting
Religious Processions & Feasts
Local Folk Tales (The Lost Bell)

Tourism Spots & Attractions

Minor Basilica of Saint Dominic
City Plaza & Museum
San Juan River Delta
Agri-Tourism Farms

Eateries & Local Flavors

Mango Pie Delicacies
Pangsit Cabagan Spots
Native Kakanin Stalls
Riverfront Cafés

Heritage

asddsa

Landmark

City Plaza

Festival

Street Dancing

Heritage

Basilica Facade

Immersive Map

Cultural Map

Local Tourism Information

Choose a barangay to view its narrative.

The info panel reveals curated tourism capsules including cultural highlights, culinary finds, and signature experiences.

Spotlight

Cultural moodboard

Trend-forward intelligence for planners, storytellers, and travelers discovering San Carlos City.

City Information Office

2nd Floor, City Hall Building, Palaris St., San Carlos City, Pangasinan

Email: info@sancarloscity.gov.ph

Phone: (075) 123-4567

Tourism Office

Ground Floor, City Museum, Rizal Ave., San Carlos City, Pangasinan

Email: tourism@sancarloscity.gov.ph

Interactive Digital Cultural Map and Local Tourism Information System for San Carlos City

—

—

Premium-grade