Fiestas patronales de Ponce facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fiestas patronales de Ponce |
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| Also called | Fiesta de pueblo |
| Type | Local, cultural |
| Celebrations | Music, food, dancing, crafts, rides |
| Observances | Patron saint |
| Date | Last friday of the month |
| Frequency | Yearly |
| First time | 1692 (approx.) |
| Related to | Virgin of Guadalupe Patron saint |
The Fiestas patronales de Ponce is a big yearly party in Ponce, Puerto Rico. It's a special celebration held in Plaza Las Delicias. This festival usually lasts for three days in late December. It honors the city's patron saint, the Virgin of Guadalupe. This tradition might be as old as the city itself, which started around 1692.
The festival shows a mix of Spanish culture and religion. It also includes parts of African and local traditions. You can enjoy parades, fun games, and cool amusement rides. There are also local artisans, tasty regional food, and live music shows. Many people from Ponce and nearby areas come to this free event. People from all over Puerto Rico also visit. Hundreds of people attend every day.
What the Festival Is About
The Fiestas patronales de Ponce are put on by the government of Ponce. The city spends about $30,000 to make it happen. The main goals are to celebrate a long-standing tradition. It also helps families spend time together. The festival strengthens community ties. It keeps local customs and heritage alive.
This celebration brings together many talented people. Over 100 artists perform. This includes about 10 music bands. There are also dancers with amazing moves. Thousands of local people join in the fun. This event is often called a "townspeople feast." Besides music, dance, and food, you can find many other attractions. These include amusement rides, cheerleaders, and jugglers. There are also arts and crafts to see and buy.
Festival Events and Activities
The Fiestas patronales usually start with a special event. This is when the Christmas lights are turned on in downtown Ponce. The Nativity scene at the Ponce City Hall is also lit up. This happens in early December. The Mayor of Ponce often attends this kickoff event.
This lighting ceremony is also the unofficial start of Christmas-time kiosk shops. These shops open at Plaza Las Delicias. This tradition has been happening since at least the mid-1900s. The Fiestas patronales de Ponce usually begin on a Friday. The events listed below are from the 2019 festival. They are very similar to what happens in other years.
Friday:
- 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.: Victoria Sanabria: Trovando por tu salud con redes del Sureste
- 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.: Ricardo Jesús y su orquesta
- 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.: Academia Julie Mayoral
- 8:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.: Ballet Señorial
- 9:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.: Jíbara Banda
- 11:00 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.: Moncho Rivera
Saturday:
- 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.: Instituto de Música Juan Morel Campos
- 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.: Catholic Mass
- 8:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.: Live to Dance Academy
- 9:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.: Raúl Armando “El Rau”
- 11:00 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.: Kevvo
Sunday:
- 5:00 a.m.: Maratón de La Guadalupe
- 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.: The Magnific Dragon
- 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.: Payaso Remi
- 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.: Catholic Mass
- 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.: Centenaria Banda Municipal de Ponce
- 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.: Catholic Mass
- 8:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.: Hermanos Sanabria
- 9:30 p.m. – 9:45 p.m.: Ballet Salsa Sur
- 10:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.: La Sonora Ponceña
