Ponce Carnival (Carnaval Ponceño) 2025 in Puerto Rico

The Ponce Carnival is a week-long celebration in the city of Ponce, which takes place the week before Ash Wednesday. The event is similar to Mardi Gras or Carnival in Rio de Janeiro. The vibrant Ponce Carnival dates back to 1858. Its biggest highlight is the mock funeral and the Burial of the Sardine. There is also an iconic parade of Vejigantes—characters wearing costumes and scary demon-like papier-mâché masks.

Vejigantes Symbolism

The symbols of the Ponce Carnival are Vejigantes, originating in centuries-old Caribbean, African, and Spanish customs and beliefs. They are named after "vejiga" ("bladder" in Spanish) because the demons are beating evil spirits away with the help of an inflated cow bladder. Beware that vejigantes often go after people on the streets, especially young women and children.

Festival Program & Events

Various parades and processions take place every day. On the weekend before the main carnival, you have a chance to witness the Carnaval de Vejigantes de la Playa de Ponce, which gives you a taste of what's to come during the week of festivities. After that, the festivities continue on Friday afternoon, with the Parade of the Carnival King and Desfile con los Pleneros del Lago, a traditional procession of Puerto Rican musicians. Saturday promises the Coronation Parade of the Carnival Queen, while Sunday closes the week with one of the biggest parades of the event at Plaza Delicias.

After a jam-packed Sunday, join the after-party festivities, such as salsa dancing and groovy music. The carnival closes with a Burial of the Sardine on Fat Tuesday night. There are also street parties everywhere with dancing, singing, and live music concerts. Carnaval de Ponce is Puerto Rico's biggest fiesta, which means visitors can expect huge crowds, loud music, and lots of drinking.

Schedule

The hours vary from day to day, with some parades unfolding in the early afternoon while other events begin only in the evening. For example, the Parade of the Carnival King and the Coronation Parade of the Carnival Queen normally take place at 7 pm on Friday and Saturday, respectively. The main parade on Sunday usually unfolds at 1 pm on Sunday. The Parade of the Sardine Burial is typically scheduled at about 6:30-7 pm.

Location & Venues

Most of the carnival events occur in the historic downtown of Ponce, at the Plaza Las Delicias and the Casa Alcalde. Some also unfold at Parque del Tricentenario, Plaza Ramos Antonini, and near Museo Francisco "Pancho" Coimbre. The picturesque city of Ponce is situated on the southern coast of Puerto Rico and boasts one-of-a-kind pieces of Ponce Creole architecture. If you're from the United States, you can arrive in Mercedita International Airport in Ponce, which services flights from Orlando and New York.