Imagine waking up at 7:00 in the morning to 53º F, surrounded by mountains and watching the mist roll in. The roosters have already crowed, and you can hear the nightingales; horses are getting ready for their first ride, and the boldest guests are heading out for a morning dip in the river or the pool.
That is the atmosphere at this time of year at Hacienda Villa Sotomayor in Adjuntas, which is preparing for the 17mo Festival del Frío, Feb. 21-23, expecting more than 30,000 visitors.
Here is where this tradition comes from and what to expect from one of the more unusual festivals celebrated on the Island.
How did the Festival del Frío begin?
The Festival del Frío started with an idea from Adjuntas cardiologist Luis Román Irizarry, who saw it as a way to bring visitors and economic growth to his hometown, Platea was told by Milton Serrano, one of the owners of Hacienda Villa Sotomayor, where the event will be held.
Adjuntas is also one of the coldest towns in Puerto Rico, even if its temperatures are not as low as winter in other countries. The lowest temperature ever recorded in Adjuntas is 40º F, a record it shares with Aibonito, according to data from the Servicio Nacional de Meteorología and the Oficina Nacional de Administración Oceánica y Atmosférica (NOAA). NOAA has one of its temperature gauges at Hacienda Villa Sotomayor itself.
"(The festival) comes from an idea by Dr. Román Irizarry, who will receive a recognition this weekend (at the event)… We are using the festival to strengthen the Adjuntas area economically and socially. Part of what the festival is committed to is making a donation to the Club Adjunteño so they can continue contributing to other organizations within the municipality."
Milton Ramos, one of the owners of Hacienda Villa Sotomayor, in an interview with Platea
From that idea, and together with the Club Adjunteño, a group of people from Adjuntas who no longer live there but wanted to have a positive impact on their hometown, the festival was created. It was held initially in the Adjuntas town plaza, but in 2009, as the event grew, organizers moved it to what was then the Parador Villa Sotomayor. That property was acquired last year by Ramos and three partners, who converted it into Hacienda Villa Sotomayor.
A growing festival
While he does not have specific figures on the festival's economic impact, Serrano noted that the event draws more than 30,000 people over its three days. "All the hotels in Adjuntas are full, the Airbnbs… We have the hotel full and more than 130 campsites occupied," the businessman said.
The festival opens on Friday and will welcome students from 53 schools, some of which will take part in a science fair on cold-weather topics, with exhibits on display at the event.
In addition to the traditional farewell to the cold on Saturday night, when a palm yagua with candles is launched on the charco La Luna and a farewell chant is performed, the famous sopón will be served.
There will be machinas, talks, games, about 150 artisans, 34-40 kiosks and musical performances. There will also be a trovador competition on Sunday, and for the first time a 5K del frío race, starting at 7:00 in the morning. Algareplena will close out the event.
One hacienda, many activities
Beyond this festival, which will include a camping area and special events, Hacienda Villa Sotomayor offers horseback rides, a working farm with crops (coffee, bananas, plantains and vegetables, used in the hacienda's restaurant), two pools (one for adults and one for children), a beach tennis court, the river and 25 cuerdas of land.
"There are people who arrive on horseback and decide to stay the night, and they leave their horses in the stable area. The horses have their own Airbnb," Serrano said.
They also plan to have tobacco crops and a space where visitors can learn about the work of cigar rollers and how this crop, which was so important to pre-industrial Puerto Rico, is processed. They are also building a pickleball court.
"Recently, we acquired some properties in the town near the plaza to extend the hotel into that area, offering a stay experience in properties built in the 1930s. We will begin renovations in April… People ask me: how can you bet on Adjuntas? Some think there isn't much to do. The reality is that demand and experience are created. People are looking for experiences."
Milton Ramos, one of the owners of Hacienda Villa Sotomayor, in an interview with Platea
Another pending project is the renovation of several properties near the plaza in Adjuntas, about a five-minute drive from the Hacienda.
They also hope to announce a special agriculture project in collaboration with Adjuntas residents.
This content was translated with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
