[4] The town was named Macabebe because it is geographically situated along the shores (Pampangan: bebe; Tagalog: baybay) or banks of Río Grande de Pampanga.

The town is sometimes referred to as Makabibe because of the abundance of corals and shells along the Río Grande in earlier times.

The English translation of Macabebe, meaning: 'surrounded by rivers' describes the historical heritage of the ancient town.

During World War II, Japanese fighter and bomber planes attacked Macabebe in December 1941.

The town's population is composed of the following: Catholics 82%, Members Church of God International 5%, Iglesia ni Cristo 8%, Evangelicals 2%, others 3%.

The facade of the church has scant ornamentation and its architectural symmetry is lost amid the various forms assumed windows, and the main entrance.

The shortbread is made of butter, egg yolk, flour and coconut milk poured in Nicolas wooden molds then baked.

One of the most visited churches in Macabebe is the Sta Maria Chapel, the home of the barangay's Queen and Patroness (NUESTRA SENIORA DELA PAZ).

The name was attributed to the fact that prior to the arrival of the Spaniards in Macabebe, at that exact place, it was believed that a big balete tree was planted.

The vice mayor heads a legislative council (Sangguniang Bayan) consisting of councilors from the barangays of barrios.

The town's health care needs is provided by the Mayor Domingo B. Flores Memorial District Hospital located in Barangay Batasan.