The village priest declared it a miracle and since then it has been revered by the village. It was Abelardo, a fisherman who found the statue in a copper, airtight box washed up on shore. They prepare their best suits, the best foods, and new chairs and utensils for the house. Even the little kids are in the road to see the masks and parade. And they dance, too.
Many people wait to be married, baptize their children during the fiesta because it is an occasion.
When I build a house it will be here, but if progress kills off our tradition I won't want to live here anymore. The Santiago festival is a carnival, not a religious celebration. It is an excuse for them to drink and dance and have a good time. Of course, I say Mass the opening day of the fiesta. Many priests in Puerto Rico close church doors during fiesta time, but I don't think that's right.