"Las Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastian" just came back to the streets of Puerto Rico! After a few year of hiatus (Covid related), the fiestas just concluded at the Enchanted Island (written January 25, 2023).
What are "Las Fiestas de la called San Sebastian"?
They are celebrated during the 3rd week of January and it is an extension to the Christmas celebrations. It commemorates the saint of San Sebastian, (with a street named also named after it in Old San Juan), and also a series of traditions from the people of San Juan.
"Las fiestas" were originated to commemorate the life of the saint. They went into a period of hiatus until it was brought back in the 70s. It is said, that the celebration was only during daytime back in the old days. However, from the new era of the celebrations, these festivities grew way beyond celebrating a saint, and now it is a massive festival with plenty of traditions, "artesanos" (local handcrafted artists), sponsored spots, music, food, drinks and more. After Covid, the festivities took once again another hiatus (only a couple of years), and now back to a fantastic huge event during this year of 2023.
(Quick video of the crowds)
Las fiestas are one of the biggest events (if not the biggest) of the island! The transportation in and out of old San Juan could be an absolute nightmare, so if you plan to attend, please plan way ahead of the festivities. This year, I went for the Sunday festivities during the day. I parked at the Hiram Bithorn Stadium (next to Plaza Las Americas) and took the bus to and from the festival. It had long lines but it was absolutely doable! Each year, there will be ways to get in and out, but they options could totally vary, so plan ahead! Puerto Rico is an absolute pleasure!!!!
"Gracias Puerto Rico y gracias a la gente linda del pais (espcialmente mi familia y amistades)! Los amo!"
-Heidi
(A video of the line at the Hiram Bithorn this year, 2023. Also a video of my kid playing at El Morro)