Over 300,000 attendees of Sanse utilized various forms of public transport
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Early figures reveal that the San Sebastián Street Festival drew in more than a million attendees and produced an economic impact valued at $91 million.
However, certain media reports have pointed out inconsistencies in payments to artists throughout the four-day celebration. Prensa Precisa noted that performers of plena and folklore were remunerated inadequately for their involvement.
For instance, Colombian musician Carlos Vives received $295,750 for his vallenato performance, whereas Plena Libre and Plenéalo were awarded merely $6,500, even though plena is regarded as the essence of the yearly festival in Old San Juan.
Looking ahead, early predictions suggest that the Sanse 2025 festival could see an economic impact of roughly $91 million, with a fiscal effect estimated at $6.3 million. This would considerably exceed the $60.8 million economic impact and $4 million fiscal effect noted in 2024.
The festival also hosted upwards of 30,000 cruise ship passengers who contributed to the celebrations.
“We are thrilled to show that the San Sebastián Street Festivals stand alongside internationally recognized events like Mardi Gras in New Orleans,” declared San Juan Mayor Miguel Romero Lugo. “In just four days, we nearly reached one million attendees, solidifying San Juan as a premier destination that celebrates our culture and its people while simultaneously enhancing our local economy.”
Surveys conducted in the first three days of the event reflected a favorable view among participants. For example, 67% of surveyed merchants reported increased sales on Saturday compared to Friday, and 56% noted their sales surpassed those of the previous year. Additionally, more than 100,000 individuals used the municipal shuttle service to reach the festival, with 30% of surveyed attendees mentioning they stayed in Airbnb properties, highlighting the event’s effect on the tourism industry.
Edwin González Montalvo, Secretary of Designated Transportation and Public Works (DTOP), announced on Monday that over 300,000 individuals utilized public transit during the festival. He stated that the transportation strategy executed by DTOP, the Integrated Transportation Authority (ATI), and other agencies enabled the safe and effective movement of thousands of guests.
“We are very pleased with the service provided to the many visitors who took part in the San Sebastián Street Festival,” González Montalvo expressed in a written statement. “This has been a historic event, marking the highest attendance in the history of public transit in Puerto Rico. Almost 310,000 people used some form of public transportation, surpassing past records.”
On Sunday, officials suspended bus services heading into San Juan due to the overwhelming number of participants.
González Montalvo also shared that the ferry service between Cataño and San Juan transported 46,000 passengers, setting a new record and becoming the largest operation of that service.
“This achievement is the result of collaborative effort, supported by the work of many employees in the Department,” the appointed DTOP leader stated. “We appreciate the contributions of each individual, from bus drivers and attendants to cleaning crews, as well as rail and maritime transport teams. Each one played a role in enabling citizens to enjoy the festivities in Old San Juan.”
Meanwhile, Romero Lugo mentioned that the objective of the municipal government and its partners “is to not only guarantee the safety and organization of the event but also to enhance its economic and social benefits for the city and its residents.”
“These preliminary findings indicate that we are accomplishing that aim,” he remarked.
