January 5, 1868

Noveleta was originally a barrio of the municipality of Kawit. Owing to its vantage geographical position - long natural beach and compact size - it became the vacation resort of the Spanish priests and the rich residents of Cavite Viejo (now Cavite City). The place slowly emerged as a busy hub between the rich and the poor as its population continued to increase. This prompted the then Governor- General Jose dela Gandera to separate it from Kawit and create it as an independent town. Aside from the famous and historical municipality of Kawit, there is probably no other municipalities in the Province of Cavite which is as colorful and as memorable as the municipality of Noveleta.


August 31,1896

Noveleta has the distinction of leading the first victory of the Philippine revolutionary forces in Cavite and perhaps the whole country, the victory at Noveleta Tribunal. It was a complete victory that liberated the town. The Magdiwang Council, led by General Mariano Alvarez took the tribunal after the skirmish that killed two Spanish officers. This significant event was inspired the Cavitenos that until a major counter attack was mounted by the Spanish General Lacambre, all the major coastal towns of Cavite enjoyed the freedom every Filipino so aspired.

The revolution against the Spanish colonialism produced five brave and able military generals and tacticians from Noveleta in the persons of Mariano Alvarez, Santiago Alvarez, Pascual Alvarez, Luciano San Miguel and Ariston Villanueva. Those five gallant Caviteños led a series of lightning attacks against the superior Spanish forces in Cavite Viejo. Then Colonel Santiago Alvarez later emerged as the Hero of the Battle of Calero Bridge. Ironically, Noveleta was also formerly referred to by Spaniards as Tierra Alta, meaning higher ground, because its ground level has higher than that of the neighboring towns of San Roque, Caridad, and Cavite and Cavite La Punta (now Cavite City).

Noveleta was also known by the revolutionary name Magdiwang, meaning to celebrate a momentous event. The name Noveleta is said to have originated from Nueva Isla or New Island, a term frequently used by the Spaniards, referring to the locality. In early years of the Spanish regime visiting priests described the place as Nueva Lete (New Fate or Fortune) In the course of time these terms Nueva Isla and Nueva Lete involved of Noveleta. But one legend tells the story of a beautiful maiden named Violeta who was betrothed by her father to a Spanish officer against her will and despite the fact that she Spaniards, the unhappy girl committed suicide. The officer arrived the next morning and finding her dead,cried and deep anguish, “ Madre de Dios, No Violeta Oh, No Violeta” ( Mother of God, No Violeta Oh, No Violeta”). The phrase “NoVioleta “kept on ringing in the public memory, eventually becoming “Noveleta”- the term used to identify the place.