Founded in 1521, the Cathedral of San Juan Bautista is the oldest church on U.S. soil and the second-oldest church in the Western Hemisphere. The gothic structure built in 1529 is actually the second church on the site, since the original was destroyed by a storm. It contains the remains of the explorer and conquistador Juan Ponce de León, as well as those of the martyr St. Pius. It also houses some relics, such as the vestments worn by Pope John Paul II during his visit to Puerto Rico in 1984.
Puerto Rican Catholicism emphasizes devotion to the saints – as seen in the santos de palo carvings here. Traditionally, towns were centered around churches in Puerto Rico, and Spanish law mandated a plaza be built near the church to hold fiestas patronales (patron saint festivals). Today, these festivals may still include a procession, but they are broader cultural events that include parades, games, food and entertainment.