The original name of San Carlos was “Nabingkalan”, which referred to the Negrito settlement of inhabitants from towns of the Western Coast of Cebu Island who came to Negros. The settlers were led by an enterprising Cebuano from Badian, Carlos Apurado, who developed the area into a thriving Christian village with the help of his fellow pioneers.

“Nabingkalan” is also derived from the name of “Nabingka”, a beautiful princess who ruled the territory for many years that when she died, the inhabitants of this Negrito region mourned the death of their beautiful princess for two years. In order to perpetuate her soul, the people gave the name of “Nabingakalan” to the place where their beautiful princess ruled for a long period.

In 1856, the first politico Military Governor of Negros Island, Don Emilio Saravia, renamed the place “San Carlos” and established it as “pueblo” status in 1890 when Negros Island was divided into two provinces Negros Occidental and Oriental Negros. San Carlos was recorded as an “arrabal” or barrio of Calatrava, then known as “Hilub-ang.”

In January 1892, the Bishop of Diocese of Jaro in Iloilo appointed a recollect as the first parish priest of San Carlos and three years later, the place regained its momentum for progress with 16 well-equipped “haciendas’ in operation.

In 1898, San Carlos acquired its township status when Gen. Juan Araneta of the Revolutionary Negros Republic officially proclaimed as a municipality. This was confirmed by the American Military Administration in 1901.

Five years later, in 1906, a constraint of the new administration from of local government implemented by the American Administration made Calatrava an “arrabal” or barrio of San Carlos.

San Carlos became a city on july 1, 1960. Each year, the city celebrates the Pintaflores festival on November 3-5 that culminates in a fascinating streetdancing competition participated in by floral-painted dancers donned in colorful, ethnic-inspired costumes.

How to get there

San Carlos City can be reached in four-hours through the coastal highway and about two-and-half-hours through the Negros Translink Highway. With its natural harbor, San Carlos is also the province take-off point to Cebu with fast crafts reaching Toledo in an hour.

Famous Landmarks

Sipaway Island is geographically known as Refugio Island. A favorite rendezvous of local and foreign guests. It has beautiful century-old Balete tree, white sand beach resorts and natural reefs for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Alinsayawan Falls is approximately 45 minutes away from the city proper ideal for nature lovers and local tourists.

La Fortuna Nature and Wildlife Lagoon is a ten-hectare paradise with man-made lagoon. It beckons nature enthusiast to explore this peaceful haven.

Whispering Palm Island Resort in Sipaway is a white sand beach resort and a 15-minute boat ride from the city proper. It has air conditioned cottages, cocktail bar, multi-purpose hall, restaurant, gym, seafood grill house, mini-zoo, swimming pool, tropical garden and children’s playground.

Festival

Pintaflores Festival has become a by-word of the people’s artistic creativity. Pintaflores dancers won top awards in Bacolod City as Hall of Fame awardee in street dancing during the Panaad sa Negros Festival. It is also a consistent winner in Sinulog street dancing.

Pintaflores is a yearly cultural festival that culminates on November 5 in a fascinating street dancing competition among floral-painted dancer in colorful and floral-inspired costumes.

Useful Contacts

Office of the Mayor
Tel. No. +63(034)3125112-13/7293050