Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián
January 21, 2027 - January 24, 2027
Falls on the same rule every year: From the third Thursday of January to the following Sunday, around Saint Sebastian's day o
What it is
La SanSe closes out the Puerto Rican Christmas season and is the biggest street party on the island. It started in 1954 as a fundraiser for the San José parish and was revived in the mid seventies thanks to the historian Ricardo Alegría and the residents of the old city. Four days of cabezudos (giant headed figures), bomba and plena, crafts and food in the streets of Viejo San Juan, with no ticket and no wristband.
What to expect
The old city closes to traffic and fills with people until dawn, with hundreds of thousands spread across Calle San Sebastián, the plazas of the old city and Paseo de La Princesa. Mornings belong to the cabezudos procession and the artisans, nights are a full on party. If you are traveling with kids, go Thursday or Sunday afternoon, because on Saturday night there is no room to walk.
Getting there
Do not try to drive into Viejo San Juan on those days. What works is the urban train to Sagrado Corazón and then the ferry or the bus, or parking at Covadonga and walking down. Many places to stay in Condado and Santurce are a short taxi ride away, and ride hailing apps raise their prices sharply after midnight.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an admission fee for La SanSe?
When exactly does it take place?
Which day is the best one to go?
Can you carry alcohol in the street?
Sources: discoverpuertorico.com, es.wikipedia.org, metro.pr, plateapr.com
