Puerto Rico Events and Festivals
January
 New Year’s Day
Known locally as Día de Año Nuevo, Puerto Ricans celebrate the coming of the New Year with gusto and gunfire, with several accidents and injuries usually occurring on this day each year. Expect parties across the island.
 Three Kings Day Epiphany
Held in early January, this is a religious and public holiday that is observed by Christians across the commonwealth. The day celebrates the revelation of God to man through the birth of Jesus.
 Birthday of Eugenio María de Hostos
This celebration in early January commemorates the life and works of the famous Puerto Rican writer and statesman who was well known for his efforts in the struggle for independence and the abolishment of slavery.
February
 Presidents’ Day / Washington’s Birthday
Held in mid to late February and known locally as Día de los Presidentes Natalicio de Washington, this is a public holiday that is observed across the island.
 Birthday of Luis Muñoz Marín
Held on 18 February each year, this day honours the first democratically elected governor of Puerto Rico. The poet and noted journalist died in 1980 and is remembered for his part in helping to establish Puerto Rico’s commonwealth status.
March
 Emancipation Day
On 22 March the abolishment of slavery took place on the island in 1873. At this time the island was still a Spanish colony.
 Good Friday
Falling in either March or April, expect businesses to be shut on this religious holiday that is solemnly observed across Puerto Rico.
April
 Birthday of José de Diego
The birthday of this great politician is celebrated on 16 April, when Diego is remembered for his poems as well as his governance.
May
 Memorial Day
Held in May, this day commemorates those who lost their lives in the World Wars, with Puerto Rican placing wreaths at monuments across the island and hosting military ceremonies.
July
 Independence Day
Held annually on the 4 July, this holiday is not celebrated with the same fervour as in mainland USA, but it is still a public holiday and a good excuse for a party.
Commonwealth Constitution Day
The 25 July marks the day the Puerto Rican constitution was introduced after its commonwealth status was achieved, leaving the island free to shape its own legislation.
 Birthday of Dr José Celso Barbosa
Barbosa was the founder of the Republican Party and his birthday and achievements are celebrated on 27 July, namely his advancements in medicine and statehood.
 Birthday of Don Luis Muñoz Rivera
This prominent politician is honoured on the 15 July, when citizens celebrate his achievements in advocating independence from Spain and helping to achieve the island’s status as a US commonwealth.
September
 Labour Day
This day of rest is observed in September, with many families gathering together to enjoy the holiday, while fireworks are also common.
October
 Columbus Day
In 1492, Christopher Columbus arrived in the New World. His discovery is marked on this day, with banks and government offices typically shut; however, many businesses stay open.
November
 Veteran's Day
The Puerto Rico National Cemetery hosts a remembrance ceremony each year on 11 November in honour of those who have lost their lives in military service.
 Discovery of Puerto Rico
This day is observed on 19 November annually in marking of the island’s discovery by Christopher Columbus on his second voyage to the Americas, in 1493.
 Thanksgiving Day
Thanksgiving is a day that is typically spent with family members, who gather together to feast on turkey and give thanks to all they have.
December
 Christmas Eve
A holiday for many workers, Christmas Eve is usually filled with excitement as children prepare for the arrival of their presents and the towns and cities are filled with festive spirit and decorations. Christmas
Held annually on 25 December, this religious festival sees present-giving, the singing of Christmas carols, feasting and general partying.
 New Year's Eve
The start of the New Year is seen in with parties, fireworks and often a bit too much Puerto Rican rum!
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