Fiesta del Acabe del Café
Three days over Presidents Day weekend, in mid February
Approximate window. The organisers publish the exact days a few months ahead.
What it is
El acabe is the end of the coffee harvest, and Maricao has been celebrating it in its public plaza for more than forty editions. It is the benchmark coffee festival of the island, with a staged reenactment of the acabe itself, the Pico a Pico contest for trovadores (improvising folk singers) with thousands of dollars in prizes, and dishes and desserts made with coffee. Admission is free.
What to expect
A small mountain town that triples its population for three days, with kiosks pouring estate coffee, crafts and live music from the morning on. What sets it apart from other festivals is the genuinely agricultural side, with a harvest exhibition and visits to coffee haciendas nearby. Bring long sleeves, because nights in Maricao get cool.
Getting there
Maricao sits in the mountain range, about two and a half hours from San Juan and an hour from Mayagüez, on narrow winding mountain roads. Drive it in daylight the first time and head back before dark if you do not know the route. Parking in town gets saturated, so arrive early.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Fiesta del Acabe del Café held?
What does acabe mean?
Can you buy estate coffee?
Is there an entry fee?
Sources: discoverpuertorico.com, eladoquintimes.com, facebook.com, laislaoeste.com
