June 23 @midnight June 23-24

Noche de San Juan

Well, first of all!

Any beach will do just fine, but always expect the big crowds at the San Juan area beaches. This Puerto Rico festival requires that you fall backwards into the ocean 3 times at midnight for good luck during the festival of Saint John the Baptist! This festival is in memory of being baptized and in the Catholic Religion it consists in falling in the water backwards three times to symbolize the washing away of sins and new life upon rising from the water , although secular Puerto Ricans say the practice brings good luck for the coming year.

Where: beaches around the island.

Popular beaches: San Juan, Condado, Isla Verde, Ocean Park and Escambron.

June 23 to June 24 @9am-9pm

Inflalandia

For those that traveling with kids!

The Convention Center turns into a huge, air conditioned playground that’s perfect for teenagers, kids and Family groups. In addition to tons of inflatable attractions, there will be a climbing wall, mechanical bull, batting cages, soccer field, mini pony rides, video games area, the usual mini-circus with magicians, and much more. Kids are encourage to dress up as their favorite super hero.

Where: Puerto Rico Convention Center in San Juan

June 24

To Ricos Food Truck Fest 2017 Hours: 11:00am a 11:00pm

If you’re in to trying new food on the go, this is your kind of Puerto Rico festivals!

This Saturday it would be celebrated in the “Paseo de las Artes” in Caguas the “To Ricos Food Truck Fest”.  And also you can enjoy the entertainment by the famous puertorrican Salsa musical aggrupation “La Sonora Ponceña” and Odilio Gonzales.

“Paseo de los Artistas” that means “Pass of Artist” , is an artistic event in collaboration with the Caguas City Hall that pursuits by a porting sensibility in the appreciation of the arts of the town , stretch a hand and grown the communication in their Local Food Truck Business.

Where: Paseo de las Artes Abelardo Diaz Alfaro, Calle Padial, Caguas, Puerto Rico

June 25

LGBT PR Pride Parade @11am

This Puerto Rico festivals celebration starts at 11:00am at “Parque Del Indio” in the Condado area, were the participants all march towards “Parque del Tercer Milenio” at the entrance of Old San Juan. The 27^th Annual Puerto Rico LGBTTIQ Pride March will be held on Sunday, June 25^th 2017. There, the best local and international entertainment will enchant us at our legendary “Pride Fest”.

Where: Condado to Old San Juan

June 28 to July 02

Carnival in Rio Grande

And let’s not forget, our beautiful town of Rio Grande!

With the traditional “City of El Yunque “festival. And each year we celebrate the Carnaval Cuidad de el Yunque – a 5-day festival with food, music, local artisans, parades, carnival rides and fireworks shows and much more, every day is a different experience!  On Sunday there is a parade that is extra fun for the kids to see as it contains local performers and bands.

Where: downtown area/Public Plaza area, Rio Grande

Main stage: at the Ovidio de Jesus stadium, Rio Grande

June 30 to July 09

Hammock Festival

This Puerto Rico festivals is a beautiful local art encounter that you can’t miss!

Artisan fair, featuring artisans from all over the island. With food, music and more. With more than 200 local artisans will unit this weekend the 30 to the 9 of July they celebrate the 37^th National Hammock Festival in San Sebastian. Throughout this weekend besides visiting artisan table by artisan table, you can enjoy live music and different style food and beverages.

Where: Route 722, Aibonito

June 30 to July 9

2017 Aibonito Flower Festival

One of our favorite Puerto Rico festivals!  This is the 49th anniversary of the Flower Festival!  There are loads of plants for sale, flower shows and seminars and also live music, food and artisans. Behind the Coliseo los Polluelos de Aibonito, this is where all the “official” sales booths, entertainment and food kiosks are set up. Show would find exotic flower vendors and different local’s products that are based and infused in flower fragrances. There’s also rides and play area for kids.

Where: Coliseo los Polluelos, Aibonito

Caribbean Trading Company has been there and has been offering 25% off our Store prices to help celebrate the opening of the market.  We are carrying both our line of gourmet specialty foods and our bath and body products.

Other things you will find at the market:

Local Honey, Breads, Gluten Free items, Flowers, Plants, Herbs, Natural Teas and Medicinal Plants, Decorative Plants, Granola, Greens and Sprouts, Fruits and Vegetables and Fish and Seafood.

Website: https://www.luquillofarmersmarket.org/

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/feriaagricoladeluquillo/

The awesome folks over at Puerto Rico Day Trips put this list together….

Winter Park Maze Attraction Dec. 1-5
Visit this maze attraction which allows you to a winter kingdom filled with fun activities including characters, circus/magic acts, and more.
Where: Route 66 Outlet Mall in Canovanas
Saborea Winter Party – December 02 @ 6:30pm
Sample dishes from 21 chefs, enjoy drinks, and the music of a percussion band and DJ. Tickets are $65.
Where: Courtyard by Marriott Hotel in Isla Verde
Sofo Culinary Fest – December 03 to December 06 @ 6pm-11pm
Many restaurants offer special menus for this street fest. Tables and live music set up around Old San Juan.
Where: Old San Juan
Festival de Platos Tipicos – December 03 to December 06
Annual event featuring food dishes typical of the holiday season. With food, music, entertainment, and more.
Where: Town Plaza in Luquillo
The Nutcracker – December 03 to December 06
Performed by the Puerto Rico Ballet for the 35th year.
Where: Luis A Ferre Performing Arts Center in Santurce
Holiday Parade – December 04
Traditional caroling festival featuring traditional Puerto Rican holiday songs, with music, food kiosks, artisans, and more.
Where: Town Square in Aguadilla

Holiday Parade December 04
Traditional caroling event featuring local holiday songs, food, music, and more.
Where: Town Plaza in Lajas
December 04
Lighting of Holiday Decorations and Parade
Event featuring musical performances, food, artisans, and more.
Where: Town Plaza in Arroyo
Lighting of Holiday Decorations – December 04

Holiday event featuring music, food, and more.
Where: Town Plaza in Coamo
Lighting of Holiday Decorations – December 04
Holiday event, with music, food, and more.
Where: Town Plaza in Salinas
Lighting of Holiday Decorations –December 04 to December 06
Holiday celebration, featuring a parade with floats, music, food, and more.
Where: Town Square in Fajardo
Mojo Sauce Culinary Festival – December 04
Event with music, artisans, and food from local restaurants.
Where: Town Plaza in Salinas
Cultural Festival –December 04 to December 06
Event featuring food from different Latin American countries, with music, artisans, and more.
Where: Town Plaza in Yauco
Puerto Rico Artisan Fair –December 05 to December 06
Annual artisan fair, featuring sales, demonstrations, and handicraft displays.
Where: Convention Center in San Juan
Lighting of Holiday Decorations – San Juan – December 05 @ 7pm
Kick off the Holiday season with music by El Gran Combo, Los Hermanos Coatto, Jose Feliciano, and others.
Where: Plaza de la Barandilla in Old San Juan
 Lajeños Holiday Troubadour Fest – December 05
Live music performances, with food, games, and more.
Where: La Parguera in Lajas

Güiro Festival- December 05
Annual celebration featuring music, food, entertainment, and more.
Where: Town Plaza in Quebradillas
UPR Food Truck Fest – December 06
Food trucks in the botanical garden.
Where: Jardin Botanico in Rio Piedras

5K Beach Challenge December 06 @ 6am
The route is 3.1 miles (5K) – 2.1 miles on the coast in pavement, dirt road, boardwalk, and 1 mile in the sand facing the sea where you will find “7 challenges” extremely interesting that will make the run a unique experience. The NEW 7 challenges are as follows: Push – ups, load sandbags and many other surprises.
Where: Middles Beach in Isabela
Shakespeare in El Morro December 11 to December 13
La Sociedad Educativa de las Artes presents “Dream”, a Caribbean version of Shakespeare’s “Midsummer Night’s Dream”. All performances are in Spanish, and take place on the Esplanade of Castillo San Felipe del Morro, Old San Juan. Free admission. Shows are at 8pm on Friday and Saturday, and at 6pm on Sunday.
Where: El Morro Fort in Old San Juan
Phone: 787 792 8005
Holiday Parade December 11
Traditional caroling event, with local holiday songs, food, and more.
Where: La Parguera in Lajas
Holiday Fest – December 11 to December 13
Holiday event, with artisans, music, local food, and more.
Where: Basketball Complex in Comerío

Macabeo Festival – December 11 to December 13
Cultural festival, featuring food, music, troubadour contests, artisans, and more.
Where: Town Plaza in Trujillo Alto
San Juan Christmas Boat Parade –December 12 @ 6pm – 7:45pm
Choose your best viewing spot along the waterfront in Old San Juan to watch this annual parade of decorated and illuminated boats. Music, food, and more.
Where: San Juan Bay
Source: Web site

 Lechon Festival – December 12
Celebration featuring food, music, and more.
Where: Paseo Artesanal in Las Piedras
Fiesta Jibara –December 13
Annual festival.
Where: Bo. Charcas in Quebradillas
Aguinaldo Masses –December 17 to December 23 @ 5:30am
Celebrate mass at sunrise on the seven days preceding Christmas at San Juan Cathedral, San Francisco Church, Santa Ana Chapel, Siervas de Maria Convent, La Rogativa, and La Perla neighborhoods.
Where: various churches in Old San Juan
Enchanted Night –December 18
Annual event featuring music, food, entertainment, and more.
Where: Town Square in Guayama
Oxen Caravan –December 19 to December 20
See oxen driven through the streets of Rincon in this annual event. With music, food, entertainment, and more.
Where: Town Plaza in Rincon
Paseo de los Artistas Navideños – December 19
Holiday event, featuring musical performances, and local food.
Where: Paseo de las Artes in Caguas
17th Holiday Troubadour Festival- December 19
Annual event featuring live musical performances, food, and more.
Where: Town Plaza in Vieques
Arroyo 160th Anniversary Festival – December 20
Event with music, dancing, local food, art exhibits, and more.
Where: Town Plaza in Arroyo
Lighting of Holiday Decorations – December 22
Holiday event, with music, food, and more.
Where: Serrallés Castle in Ponce

Troubadour Competition –December 22 @ 7pm
Event with musical performances and competitions.
Where: La Guancha Boardwalk in Ponce
Holiday Al Fresco – December 25
Holiday event, featuring musical performances, and a food festival.
Where: Paseo de las Artes in Caguas

Holiday Parade December 25
Family-oriented event, with food, music, and entertainment for the kids.
Where: Town Plaza in Culebra

Giant Fantasy Park – December 25 to January 02
Family-oriented entertainment, shows, music, food, games, and more.
Where: Julia de Burgos Park in Carolina
Hatillo Masks Festival – December 28
Annual event to remember the Holy Innocents. There are parades, music, food, and people in costume from head to toe. And LOTS of people in attendance.
Where: Town Plaza in Hatillo
New Year’s Eve Celebration –December 31
Traditional outdoor New Year’s Eve celebration, with music, food, and more.
Where: Town Plaza in Culebra

New Year’s Eve Party –December 31
Annual New Year’s Eve party.
Where: Hyatt Place in Bayamón
Phone: 787 779 5000
New Year’s Eve Party –December 31
The Caribe Hilton offers two New Year’s Eve celebrations: the Big Show in the Ballroom, and NYE Dinner in Palmeras Restaurant.
Where: Caribe Hilton in Old San Juan
New Year’s Eve Party- December 31
New Year’s Eve celebration, with open bar, buffet, and live music.
Where: Grand Ballroom at the Intercontinental in Isla Verde

Don’t forget to grab a Puerto Rico Christmas Ornament to put on your tree!

The table below lists the majority of the celebrations held in the towns around the island that include or are centered on artisans’ fairs. Patron saint festivals, which are religious in origin, are not included. Sourced From Enciclopedia PR – one of my favorite informative websites for all things cultural and historical in Puerto Rico…..

Fairs / Festivals / Carnavals

January
INTERNATIONAL FOLK FESTIVAL (San Juan)
THREE KINGS FESTIVAL (Juana Díaz)
SAN SEBASTIáN STREET FESTIVAL (San Juan)
MAYUCO FESTIVAL (Añasco)
LA NOVILLA FESTIVAL (San Sebastián)
INDIAN CARNAVAL (Santa Isabel)

February
MABó CARNAVAL (Guaynabo)
LA PLATA CARNAVAL (Dorado)
JIBARO TOMATO FESTIVAL (Jayuya)
COFFEE FESTIVAL (Yauco)
BEATRIZ CREOLE FESTIVAL (Caguas)
COFFEE SEASON FESTIVAL (Maricao)
PONCE CARNAVAL (Ponce) One week after Lent

March
CORRETJER CANTATAS (Ciales)
BORINQUEN FESTIVAL (Caguas)
FISHING FESTIVAL (Cabo Rojo)
ARTISANS’ FESTIVAL (Toa Baja)
PASO FINO HORSE FESTIVAL (Guayama)
CULTURAL CONFERENCE (Hormigueros)
FESTIVAL OF ORANGES (Las Marías)
GüIRO FESTIVAL (Las Piedras)
REGIONAL ARTISAN FESTIVAL (Ponce)
HUMPBACK WHALE FESTIVAL (Rincón)
BLACK FESTIVAL (Arroyo)
WITCH CARNAVAL (Guayama) March/April

April
PUERTO RICAN KITE FESTIVAL (Aguadilla)
BETANCES DAY A WEEK IN HONOR OF PATRIOT RAMON EMETERIO BETANCES (Cabo Rojo)
CORN FESTIVAL (Canóvanas)
LLORENS WEEK A WEEK IN HONOR OF THE POET AND POLITICIAN LUIS LLORENS TORRES (Juana Díaz)
STUFFED POTATO FESTIVAL (Río Grande)
SOBERAO DANCE FESTIVAL (Sabana Grande)
KITE FESTIVAL (Fajardo)
BOTTLE CAP FESTIVAL (Aibonito)
GUARIONEX FESTIVAL (Utuado)
CAñABóN CREOLE FESTIVAL (Caguas)
FISHING FESTIVAL (Guánica)
CELERY FESTIVAL (Barranquitas) April/May
TURTLE FESTIVAL (Luquillo)

May
ORCHID FESTIVAL (Fajardo)
HOME GARDEN FESTIVAL (Gurabo)
PINEAPPLE FESTIVAL AND BLUE MARLIN FESTIVAL (Lajas)
SOCIOCULTURAL FESTIVAL (Vega Baja)
SUGAR SYRUP FESTIVAL (Yabucoa)
COCONUT FESTIVAL (Rincón)
NATIONAL GüIRO FESTIVAL (Peñuelas)
EMERALD OF THE SOUTH CARNAVAL (Patillas)
FISHERMAN’S FESTIVAL (Fajardo) May/June

June
ARTISANS’ FESTIVAL IN HONOR OF THE FLAG (Coamo)
TOWN AND COUNTRY FOLK FESTIVAL (Aguas Buenas)
KETTLE COOKING FESTIVAL (Aibonito)
TRADITIONAL CREOLE FESTIVAL (Caguas)
OAK FESTIVAL (Cayey)
CUSTARD APPLE FESTIVAL (Naranjito)
GRACKLE FESTIVAL (Naranjito)
FISHING FESTIVAL (Salinas)
BANANA FESTIVAL (Lares)
CASALS FESTIVAL (San Juan)
LACE FESTIVAL (Moca)
CUATRO FESTIVAL (Moca)
TRUNKFISH FESTIVAL (Naguabo) June
ANNUAL ARTISANS’ FAIR Plaza Las Américas Shopping Mall, (San Juan) June/July
FLOWER FESTIVAL Aibonito June/July
THE SALSA, BOMBA AND PLENA FESTIVAL Aguas Buenas June/July

July
CAYENALISA PINEAPPLE FESTIVAL (Florida)
FOLK FESTIVAL (Arecibo)
BARRANQUITAS NATIONAL ARTISANS’ FAIR (Barranquitas)
FRESHWATER FESTIVAL (Ciales)
CUATRO FESTIVAL (Morovis)
SHRIMP FESTIVAL (Orocovis)
ISLAND SAUCE FISH FESTIVAL (Salinas)
HAMMOCK FESTIVAL (San Sebastián)
CRAB FESTIVAL (Aguas Buenas) July/August

August
CIDRA FESTIVAL (Adjuntas)
CHALK FESTIVAL (Cataño)
BREADFRUIT FESTIVAL (Humacao) August/September

September
CULTURAL FESTIVAL (Camuy)
ARTISANS’ FAIR (Orocovis)
ARTISANS’ FAIR (Arecibo)
TRADITIONAL FESTIVAL (Las Piedras)
COCONUT FESTIVAL (Luquillo)
FESTI-CARNAVAL OF CRABS (Maunabo)
FESTIVAL DE LAS PICúAS (Río Grande)
CUSTARD APPLE FESTIVAL (San Germán)
EMBROIDERY AND LACE FESTIVAL (San Lorenzo)

Octuber
SUGAR CANE SYRUP FESTIVAL (Vega Baja)
ROOSTER FESTIVAL (Vega Alta)
RICE FRITTER FESTIVAL (Lares)
JíBARO FESTIVAL (Guayama)
ENCANTADO RIVER CULTURAL FESTIVAL (Florida)
PLANTAIN FESTIVAL (Corozal)
COROZO PALM FESTIVAL (Corozal)
COMERIO JíBARO FESTIVAL (Comerío)
THE AMéRICAS FESTIVAL (Cataño)
TRADITIONAL FESTIVAL (Canóvanas)
FOLK FESTIVAL (Barceloneta)
ARTISANS’ FAIR (CONFERENCE OF CARVERS) (Aguada)

November
NATIONAL PUERTO RICAN MEAT PIE FESTIVAL (Orocovis)
PLAIN PIGEON FESTIVAL (Cidra)
NATIONAL INDIGENOUS FESTIVAL (Jayuya)
VALENCIANO CARNAVAL (Juncos)
FOLK MUSIC FESTIVAL (Toa Alta)
ARTISANS’ FAIR (Mayagüez)
PASO FINO FESTIVAL (Trujillo Alto)
AREYTO FESTIVAL (Villalba)
CETí FESTIVAL (Arecibo)
PASSION FRUIT FESTIVAL (San Lorenzo)
FISHING FESTIVAL (Arroyo)

December
MARTORELL JíBARO FESTIVAL (Yabucoa)
TROUBADOR FESTIVAL (Sabana Grande)
FESTIVAL OF THE MASKS (Hatillo)
OTOAO CULTURAL FESTIVAL (Utuado)
PETATE FESTIVAL (Sabana Grande)
BURéN FESTIVAL (Sabana Grande)
MACABEO FESTIVAL (Trujillo Alto)
LA MORA CAVES FESTIVAL (Comerío)
TROUBADOR CONTEST (Adjuntas)
TRADITIONAL CULTURAL MEGA FESTIVAL (Quebradillas)
CHRISTMAS PARADE AND ARTISANS’ FAIR (Lajas)
ARTISANS MARKET Carolina One Sunday Each Month

As you travel around the island, be sure to stop in at Caribbean Trading and say hi at either our El Yunque or Rincon stores.

Saborea Tequila Grilled Shrimp Shooter

Ingredients: 1/4 lbs Shrimp 16/20 ½ oz Tequila Pinch Oregano Salt + Pepper to taste

Directions: Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl. Grill at a medium-high temperature until cooked through, about 7 to 8 minutes. Let cool and serve with cocktail sauce in a shot glass.

Saborea Caribe Mojito Frozen

Ingredients: 1 oz Coco Rum 1 oz Mint 2 tsp lemon juice ½ oz Passoã Rum for garnish 8 oz ice

Directions: Mix the Coco Rum, mint, lemon juice and ice in a blender. Serve in a margarita glass and top with Passoã Rum.

Centrally located in the trendy Condado area, just minutes from historic Old San Juan, The Condado Plaza Hilton serves guests expertly prepared gourmet cuisine incorporating the bold flavors and tropical aromas of the region. As the only hotel to boasts uninterrupted views of both the Atlantic Ocean and Condado Lagoon, The Condado Plaza Hilton is the perfect place to re-energize and relax for the long and exciting weekend at Saborea. For more information, visit www.condadoplaza.com.

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This article was written by Captain Tim and the Crew of Caribbean Trading Company.

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This year we are sharing a fun interactive personality test and some history on Caribbean pirates and a great sale on our Caribbean Trading Company Hot Sauces (because every pirate like a little heat….

What kind of Pirate are you?

Take this quiz to find yer inner pirate

Ready for a Drink while you Talk Like a Pirate?

• • Try our Chocolate Pirate Cocktail Recipe

Interesting Blog Posts about Pirates of the Caribbean:

• • Captain Blackbeard: Edward Thatch, The Notorious Caribbean Pirate
  • The Women Pirates of the Caribbean
  • Who were the real Pirates of the Caribbean?

Coupon Code for 25% off all Caribbean Trading Company Hot Sauces – good for September 16-19, 2014.

Code is:   TalkLikeAPirate

Shop Now

Have a great Pirate Day Mates!

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February 1-2: 12th International Regatta. Annual regatta at Club Nautico in San Juan.  Visit web site for more info

February 7: Abrazo Salsero at Coliseo Roberto Clemente in San Juan: Benefit event for cancer patients. Proceeds will benefit patients at Hospital Oncológico Dr. Isaac González Martínez y en la Sala de Hematología Oncológica del Hospital Municipal de San Juan.

February 14-16: Maricao Coffee Festival.  The festival celebrates the end of the annual coffee harvest with music, parades, typical Puerto Rican food, arts and crafts and plenty of coffee. Parking area at Parque de Polota in Maricao

February 8: MojitoFest at the Puerto Rico Convention Center.  Food, music, dancing, and Mojitos of course! web site

February 14: Valentine’s Day is quite popular on the island.

February 13-17: Puerto Rico Freefall Festival. The Puerto Rico Freefall Festival is celebrated in February every year with live band entertainment, catering, freefly coaching and organized big way relative jumps, tandems, and more  More Info

February 21-March 15: Casals Festival. The Casals Music Festival held each year in San Juan, Puerto Rico was founded in 1956 by renowned Puerto Rican cellist and composer Pablo Casals. Events will be held at the Centro de Bellas Artes in San Juan. See Website for complete list of performing artists and ticket information

February 23-24: Ponce Carnival. Annual festival preceding Ash Wednesday. Includes bands playing different music styles every night, arts, crafts, food, music and more. At the town plaza in Ponce

Feb. 26: 9th Annual Kites Festival – A day filled with fun activities including creating and flying your own kites and a kite contest. This festival will be held at Castillo San Felipe del Morro from 11-4 p.m. For more information, please call 787-729-6777 ext. 239 or visit the San Juan National Historic Site webpage.

February 23: The World’s Best 10K Race has become the largest family sports event in Puerto Rico, drawing more than 10,000 people a year. An extremely popular road race with professional and fun runners from around the world.

Throughout February: Whale-watching season continues in the west coast of Puerto Rico, when humpback whales can be spotted off the coast. An excellent spot to see them is the observation park at the Rincón lighthouse.

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Grapes for Good Luck

At the stroke of midnight, local tradition demands that you eat 12 grapes for luck. You’ll also find some people sprinkling sugar outside their house for good luck or throwing a bucket of water out the window to expel all the negatives of the old year and get ready for a fresh start.

Clean House

Now this doesn’t sound very fun, but it has a great sentiment behind it.. Before the party begins Puerto Ricans spend the entire day cleaning the house, yard, cars, and even sweeping the street.  It is believed that whatever the condition in which the New Year finds our property, that is how our property will stay for the rest of the year. Out with the old and in with the new.

Fireworks

Fireworks have become a traditional event for New Year’s Eve and if you have a view from a mountain (or even a hill), you will see a steady succession of fireworks once the sun goes down.  It is a sight to be seen!  Make sure you pick some up of your own (available in any shopping plaza) and bring along with you to the party.  Even sparklers will do!  However, fair warning:  if you are irritated by fireworks smoke, be prepared with some allergy medicine or eye or throat drops – there are that many fireworks set off on New Year’s Eve.

Party Time

There are several resorts, hotels and clubs that put together a really great New Year’s Eve celebration.  Here are some of the biggest parties happening this year:

Dec 31 @ 11pm: A Night of Wonders at the Caribe Hilton.  New Year’s Eve party, featuring DJs, live music, and open bar. Visit web site for more info

Dec 31 @ 10pm: Town New Year’s Party in Vieques Plaza. Annual outdoor New Year’s Eve celebration, with fireworks.Dec 31: New Year’s Eve Party at the Courtyard by Marriott Isla Verde. New Year’s Eve buffet with live music.

Dec 31: New Year’s Eve Party at the Hilton Ponce Golf and Resort. New Year’s Eve buffet with live music.

Dec 31: New Year’s Eve Party at the InterContinental San Juan Resort. New Year’s Eve buffet with live music.

Dec 31: New Year’s Eve Party at the Ritz Carlton San Juan. New Year’s Eve buffet with live music.

Dec 31: New Year’s Eve Party at Sheraton Old San Juan Hotel. New Year’s Eve gastronomical fest with open bar and live music.
Dec 31: NYE Evolution 2014: The Mansion at the Puerto Rico Convention Center. New Year’s Eve party, featuring 5 “rooms” with different live entertainment.

Dec 31: Year-end Celebration at the Culebra Town Plaza.  Annual New Year’s celebration.
** if you have a boat or yacht, gathering off the beaches of Culebra is also extremely popular

Dec 31 @ 10pm: “Illusions” New Years Eve Party at the Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel. New Years Eve celebration.

Here are the big things happening on the island this January:

January 3: San German Three Kings Festival – 1pm. Children’s event, with traditional holiday music and gifts for the kids.  Town Plaza in San Germán

January 3: Manati Three Kings Festival – 1pm. Children’s event, with traditional holiday music and gifts for the kids.  Town Plaza in Manati

January 3: Aguada Children’s Festival – 1pm. Children’s event, with traditional holiday music and gifts for the kids.  Town Plaza in Aguada

January 4: Aguadilla Children’s Festival – 1pm. Children’s event, with traditional holiday music and gifts for the kids.  Barrio San Antonio & Rafael Hernandez Plaza in Aguadilla

January 4: Medalla Light Electric Holiday at the Puerto Rico Convention Center.  Featuring: CALVIN HARRIS, R3HAB, ZEDD, BOYS NOIZE, and A-TRAK

January 5: Visitation of the Three Kings in Camuy’s Town Plaza. Featuring artisans, food kiosks, a Mass, sung Rosary, and live entertainment.

January 5:Toys Giveaway in Arroyo.  Children’s event, with traditional holiday music and gifts for the kids.

January 5: Traditional Three Kings Concert by the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra Christmas concert at the Luís A Ferré Fine Arts Center in Santurce

January 5: Dorado’s Three Kings Eve Celebration. Annual Three Kings celebration at the Gran Parque El Dorado in Dorado

Thru January 6: Holiday Garden at Botanical Garden in Caguas.  Visit the garden at night to see the holiday lights.

January 6: Three King’s Day.  This holiday celebrates the Three King’s arrival to give gifts to the baby Jesus.  It is celebrated with  a charming tradition of setting out a box of hay at the foot of your bed the night before with small gifts.  Be sure to leave some hay and treats for the Three King’s along with their camels!  In Old San Juan, head to Luis Muñoz Marín Park for the live music, parades, food and drink, and plenty of revelry.

Thru Jan 15 @ 6:30pm: Light Show & Artificial Snow at Fun Valley Park in Arecibo
Enjoy the rides during the day, then stay for the show after dark.

January 16-19: The largest street fair in Old San Juan is the San Sebastián Patron Saint Festival, when thousands descend on San Sebastián Street to commemorate and celebrate. It’s by far the biggest patron saint celebration on the island. Expect fairground rides, food stalls and live music, parades of traditional Puerto Rican masked figures called vejigantes, and plenty of dancing at night. A day earlier, the town of San Sebastián kicks off its own festival to honor its patron saint.

January 21-28: Hard-core cyclists will want to register for La Vuelta Puerto Rico, a three-day, 375-mile spin around the island. Registration is open until January 15.

January 25-27: Local artisans exhibit at EL Portal Visitor’s Center in EL Yunque Rainforest

January 30: Harlem Globetrooters are at the Humacao Arena.

Through January 31: Beginning of  whale-watching season in Rincón and the west coast of the island.  An excellent spot to see them is the observation park at the Rincón lighthouse.

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