Looking for something to do this weekend?
You could head down to Ponce on the south coast of Puerto Rico and participate in the annual Ponce Carnival. The Ponce carnival takes place the week before Ash Wednesday and this year they are celebrating its 150th anniversary. The carnival is the south’s answer to Old San Juan’s San Sebastian Street Festival and New Orleans Mardi Gras.
This year’s carnival starts on Wednesday January 30 and continues until Shrove Tuesday, Februray 5th. During the carnival you will see street parties and processions led by Vejigantes. A Vejigante is someone who dresses in a devil like mask and a colorful costume; similar to a clown (you can’t miss them). There will also be local artisan and musicians and plenty of attractions for all the family.
The carnival ends with the Entierro de la Sardina (Funeral of the Sardine), led by drag queen mourners who mark the death of the sardine. Why a sardine? It’s symbolic and represents the fact that many fish (some 50% of the yearly amount) will be consumed during the month of lent.
If you need a break from the carnival atmosphere, there are plenty of other attractions in and around Ponce. If you are driving (a rental car is the best way to see the island) from San Juan, take Highway 52 all the way to Ponce; it’s that easy. The drive should take you around 90 minutes.
What: Ponce Carnival
When: January 30 – February 5
Where: Ponce
