The central plaza, or square, is a place for official and unofficial recreational events and a place where people can gather and socialize from dusk to dawn. The
Laws of the Indies, Spanish law, which regulated life in Puerto Rico in the early 19th century, stated the plaza's purpose was for "the parties" (celebrations, festivities) (), and that the square should be proportionally large enough for the number of neighbors (). These Spanish regulations also stated that the streets nearby should be comfortable portals for passersby, protecting them from the elements: sun and rain. In 1516, the church was built, and after it was destroyed by
indigenous people, it was reconstructed in 1639. Located across the central plaza in Aguada barrio-pueblo is the , a
Roman Catholic church. It was built in 1692, then reconstructed in 1793. It was destroyed by the
1918 San Fermín earthquake. Following the architectural design of Antonio Martínez and José Lazaro, it was rebuilt between the years 1924 and 1936. Stained glass windows were installed in 1956 and again in 1964. Its interior was remodeled in 1993. The oldest festival in Puerto Rico was celebrated in and around the church in Aguada. To honor the
Immaculate Conception it was held for many years, starting in the 16th century. The festival which lasted eight days went on for many years until ended by the church for having become too commercialized. Aguada's annual patron saint festival in honor of
Francis of Assisi is held from late September to early October in the Plaza Carlos Ruiz. {{US Census population| align= center ==Sectors==