14,000 devotees flock 182nd Libad Apung Iru Festival in Apalit

Some 14,000 devotees took part in the 182nd Libad Apung Iru Festival and 429th Town Fiesta in the town of Apalit, Pampanga on 28 June 2026.

A fluvial procession with 700 motorized boats filled the river of Pampanga as the devotees prayed and danced to show their devotion to Apung Iru, a term of endearment to St. Peter the Apostle.

St. Peter the Apostle is the revered patron saint of Apalit, and is celebrated annually during the grand Libad Apung Iru Festival from 28 to 30 June.

Vice Governor Dennis "Delta" Pineda along with Apalit Mayor Jun Tetangco, Lubao Mayor Esmeralda Pineda, Minalin Mayor Philip Naguit, and 4th District Board Member Kaye Naguit participated in the celebration in welcoming Apung Iru.

Vice Gov Delta said that he is praying to Apung Iru for peace, security, and good health for every Kapampangan.

The local government stated that this year's celebration has the biggest number of devotees who participated.

The three-day celebration by Apaliteños focused on showing gratitude for the blessings, guidance, and continuous faith to Apung Iru.

The Apung Iru Festival (also known as the Libad Festival) is a massive three-day religious and cultural event held annually from June 28 to 30 in Apalit, Pampanga. It honors Saint Peter the Apostle, affectionately called "Apung Iru," and features one of the most famous and highly attended fluvial processions in the Philippines.

Hundreds of colorfully decorated boats and thousands of devotees sail along the Pampanga River. The holy, centuries-old ivory image of St. Peter is placed on a large barge or "pagoda."

One of the most famous aspects of the festival is the spirited water splashing. As the pagoda passes, devotees and spectators along the riverbanks throw or spray water at the boats—and each other—in an expression of joy and shared faith.

On the first day, the image is moved from Brgy. Capalangan to the St. Peter the Apostle Parish Church in Brgy. San Juan. On the final day, it is returned via the same spectacular river procession.