FIESTA PATRONAL
The Fiestas patronales ("patronage festivals" in English) are yearly celebrations held in countries influenced by Spanish culture.
A fiesta patronal is usually dedicated to a saint or virgin, who is the patron of whichever city holds the fiesta. Usually, town members adorn the tow
n streets with colorful decorations and other things. In some larger cities, there may be several fiestas, one fiesta for each neighborhood, usually about the patron saint for the local parish.
Depending to the budget of the town, the fiestas patronales may run from one day (the day of the saint being honored) to nine days, called el novenario. Most Latin American countries dedicate the first day to the saint or virgin being celebrated. In Puerto Rico, the musical and entertainment festivities begin right away.
Most Fiestas patronales feature verbenas, live entertainment by famous international or local singers, amusement parks, and street vendors, among other things, during the celebration.
Fiestas patronales are not national holidays, because they only reflect the celebration of one city or town and are religious celebrations.
