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. Located across the central plaza in Patillas barrio-pueblo is the (English:
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish), a
Roman Catholic church. The first church was inaugurated in 1811. Its replacement built in 1848 was destroyed by the
San Felipe Segundo hurricane in 1928. Designed by Francisco Porrata Dora, the church which stands there now was constructed in the 1930s. In 1995, the church was remodeled with lateral extensions. ==History==