Festival de la Novilla 2025 in Puerto Rico

The Festival de la Novilla, held annually in the town of San Sebastián on Puerto Rico’s western coast, is a vibrant celebration of agricultural traditions and community spirit. Scheduled for the third weekend of January 2025, the festival highlights the island's rural heritage while offering a lively atmosphere of music, dance, and local flavors.

Activities and Highlights

The central feature of the festival is the heifer parade (Novilla Parade), showcasing elaborately adorned cows as a symbol of Puerto Rico’s agricultural roots. These heifers are decorated with floral crowns, ribbons, and colorful garlands, leading a festive procession that includes floats, musicians, dancers, and community groups. The parade, scheduled for Sunday, captures the heart of the festival.

Beyond the parade, visitors can explore a variety of entertainment and cultural offerings, including live music, an amusement park, salsa dancing, food stalls, and an artisan market. All of the main events take place at San Sebastián’s central square of the town.

Location and Nearby Attractions

San Sebastián is located approximately 90 miles (145 km)west of San Juan, Puerto Rico’s capital. The drive takes about 2.5 hours, offering picturesque views of the island’s lush landscape.

San Sebastián is also renowned for its stunning outdoor scenery and vibrant hammock culture, with hammocks making perfect souvenirs from the city. The town is home to El Museo de la Hamaca, a unique museum dedicated to the art of Puerto Rican hammock-making, showcasing the tradition and craftsmanship behind these iconic pieces.