Festival Nacional de la Quenepa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Festival Nacional de la Quenepa |
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Promotional poster for the 2010 Festival Nacional de la Quenepa
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| Official name | Festival Nacional de la Quenepa |
| Also called | Festival de la Quenepa |
| Observed by | Puerto Ricans in Ponce, Puerto Rico |
| Type | Local, cultural |
| Significance | The city's official fruit |
| Celebrations | Music, dancing, crafts, food |
| Observances | Yearly |
| Date | August or September |
| Frequency | Annual |
| First time | 2008 |
| Related to | Genip fruit |
The Festival Nacional de la Quenepa (which means National Genip Fruit Festival in English) is a fun cultural party. It happens every year in Ponce, Puerto Rico. This festival celebrates the genip fruit, which is the official fruit of Ponce!
The celebration lasts for three days, usually from Friday to Sunday. It's often held in August, but sometimes in September. The city government of Ponce helps put on this special event.
How the Festival Started
The Quenepa Festival is one of Puerto Rico's newer festivals. It first started in 2008. Jorge Fernández Torres, who worked for the city, suggested the idea in January 2008. The city government liked the idea and made it happen.
The festival usually takes place at Plaza Las Delicias. This is the main square in Ponce. Ponce is known as La Ciudad de las Quenepas, which means "Genip City." This is because many people in Ponce grow quenepa trees in their backyards.
Fun at the Quenepa Festival
The festival is packed with exciting activities for everyone. You can find many arts and crafts made by local artists. There's also lots of delicious food to try. You can listen to traditional folkloric music and play fun games.
Of course, there are plenty of fresh quenepas from local farmers! A special part of the festival is a competition. People create the most unusual dishes using quenepas. Imagine cakes, custards, juices, and even rice made with quenepas!
Crafts are also a big part of the festival. Many items are made from the seeds of the genip fruit. The festival is designed to be a family event. There are special activities for children, like games and clowns, to make sure everyone has a great time.
