twenty-sixth of january

Definitely a different twist for the tourist. Its a bit of a walk from the church but still interesting to see. It reinforces American traits...though instructed to not respond, a group of firefighters belayed the order and ultimately (as it seems) saved the community. The firefighters were rightfully honored. Recommend reviewing: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calle_25_de_Enero

Saw this on the $2 bus tour from the Parque de Bombas. As our tour guide described it, in the early 1900's a big fire started in Ponce. The volunteer firemen did a great job fighting the fire and minimizing the damage. As a result the Mayor created a holiday and gave a number of them a home for life on this street. Each year for many years a lottery was held to give an additional home to another Ponce volunteer fireman. Our guide said the homes cannot be rented or sold so they are all still inhabited by family members of the original firemen. He also said the red paint represents the blood of the people who died and the black represents the soot and ash from the fire.

Is called "La calle del 25 de enero" the twenty-five of january is a whole block dadicated to the fire-fighters that died on a big fire in ponce decades ago. And to honor them and their familys this street was created with all the houses painted equaly with black and red stripes that are the colors of the city of Ponce.