Despite being one of the least-populated municipalities in Puerto Rico, Maricao is considered the preeminent coffee-raising area on the island, earning it the nickname “Ciudad del Café” (Coffee City).

On Feb. 10-12, the Maricao coffee festival will help the tiny municipality — located on the west side of the island — live up to its reputation. The festival celebrates the end of the annual coffee harvest with traditional music, a few parades, delicious Puerto Rican food and, you guessed it, plenty of coffee. The event takes place each year on the second weekend in February.

Originally, Maricao was a refuge for Spaniards and the island's native Taíno indians from pirates and other hostiles. Today, the Maricao-produced coffee is so important to the region that the end of the harvest season is cause for celebration.

Colombian and Brazilian coffee brands may get most of the attention, but few would argue Puerto Rico — and Maricao, specifically — is responsible for some of the best coffee in the world.