Like almost all Puerto Rican celebrations, the San Sebastian Street Festival has its religious origins. The Catholic Church celebrates the day of Saint Sebastian Martyr every January 20th. In 1954, the first festival was held in his honor, and later, to raise funds for the community, the San Sebastian street festivals were established, becoming popular hasta today.
The celebration begins with musical groups along the streets, but the most striking and interesting moment is the Parade of the Big-Headed People, a procession of colorful figures representing popular characters, politicians, famous athletes, and local public figures, accompanied by music and dance during the four days the festival lasts.
Special dishes that highlight these festivities cannot be missed; the streets feature food stalls offering delicious dishes such as txangurros, which are clams stuffed with seasoned shrimp with leeks, tomato, carrots, and onion. There are also Chicken and Pork Pinxtos; the exquisite tuna marmitako; and must-try desserts like Pantxinetas, a blend of fine puff pastry filled with custard.
