The origins of the origins of the San Sebastian street fest date way back in the 16th century when every street named after a Saint in Old San Juan celebrated a religious procession in their honor. This Spanish tradition was part of life in the old city but as the years passed the celebrations were abandoned. In 1954 however, the priest in charge of La Iglesia de San José decided to revive the tradition with a procession in honor of San Sebastián to raise funds for his church.
The humble beginnings
The initial modest celebrations included a musical procession to announce the beginning of the festivities, the cabezudos or papier mache masks with the king and queen of Spain, food and art. People decorated their balconies and it was more of a neighborhood party. 15 years later, the organization of the San Sebastian street fest was taken up by the neighbors and Doña Rafaela Balladares de Brito, the main promoter. Through ups and downs she made sure the festival was held and today it is one of the more emblematic celebrations in Puerto Rico.
The procession has many traditional elements
The spirit of the original celebrations can best be experienced during the procession that marks the opening of the festivities. It’s scheduled the first day, Thursday usually at 5:30pm. It’s spearheaded by a Spanish period regiment that opens the way and then followed by elegantly dressed citizens.
The San Sebastian statue
The most traditional emblem, the statue of San Sebastián surrounded by flowers and transported on the shoulders of about twenty men. The style evokes the traditional Spanish “Pasos” used during holy processions in Spain. The route will take them the entire length of San Sebastian street and end up entering the cathedral.
After this brief ceremonial beginning the party starts. At this point the procession turns into a musical celebration the “Cabezudos, all sorts of personalities, many bands from different towns, stilt walkers, dancers and more that parade down the street.
Join in!
One of the distinguishing features of this event is that you can actually join in and become part of the celebrations as you walk behind one of the bands and wave to the crowds that line the narrow streets.
It’s a bit chaotic but faces are full of smiles, singing and dancing to the traditional songs and melodies. It’s at this point that the five stages all around the Old City turn up the live music and the festivities will go on to the midnight cutoff hour.
The first taste is always the sweetest they say so make it a point to witness the start next year!
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