The Fiestas patronales 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 town streets with advertisements, colorful decorations and other things. In big cities, there are particular fiestas for each neighborhood, usually about the patron saint for the local parochy .

According to the budget of the town, fiestas patronales may last just one day or from weekend to weekend. 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. The famous group Menudo began their career by singing at these events in Puerto Rico.

Fiestas patronales are not national holidays, because they only reflect the celebration of one city of a country.

Examples

• Spain
  • Fallas around 19th March in Valencia
  • Bonfires of Saint John around 24th June in Alicante
  • San Fermín around 7th July in Pamplona

See also

• Calendar of saints
• Holy Week
• Carnival