What is the Rincón Volky Festival?

Merging the passion of cars and nature is not something many events can do, but the Rincón Volky Festival is one of those beloved annual events that can pull it off perfectly. Dedicated to celebrating the Beetle and other vehicles from VW, this event is an amazing thing to watch and participate!

It is annually held in the picturesque coastal town of Rincón, and is very special. Why? Because this festival attracts car enthusiasts, collectors, and families from across the island and all over the world just to experience the event!

The event showcases a spectacular display of meticulously restored and customized Volkswagens, Volkswagens that are barely holding together and everything in-between providing a nostalgic trip through automotive history while fostering a vibrant community spirit.

A Celebration of Volkswagen Culture

The Volkswagen Beetle, often referred to as the “Volky” in Puerto Rico (which is a very cute way) and various Spanish-speaking nations, occupies a unique spot in automotive history.

Its attractive design, cost-effectiveness, and high reliability have turned it into a cherished vehicle globally. So what’s the festival about? It honors this iconic vehicle, as well as other Volkswagen models like the Kombi (Volkswagen Bus), Karmann Ghia, Cabriolet, the Thing and the Type 3.

Participants can look forward to viewing stunningly restored classic models, some alterations made by the people there and other uncommon Volkswagens that showcase the commitment and enthusiasm of their owners.

While this seems easy, it’s far from simple (and no, I’m not exaggerating!). Numerous participants dedicate months of their lives enhancing their vehicles for display. How? Applying custom paintwork, accessories, and performance enhancements, as well as many more things. 

There is even a word that is used to describe the feeling of driving a classic VW, “Fahrvergnügen” (meaning “driving enjoyment” in English) was a marketing term used by Volkswagen in a 1990s US ad campaign, not a standard German word, but a neologism. 

When and Where Is It Held?

The Rincón Volky Festival is annually held in Plaza de la Amistad (or Faro de Rincón, the beautiful lighthouse of the city). Since 2019 (with collaboration of the government and shops), the event has started growing more and more, giving it a more international and impactful touch to the region.

The last event was held weeks ago, from February 21 to 23th, having more than 10,000 participants (and more than 1,500 Volkies!) that strengthened the hotel and gourmet industry of the city. 

Events and Activities at the Rincón Volky Festival

The festival is more than just a car exhibition. But do you know why? Let me explain it to you: it offers a wide range of activities that make it enjoyable for all ages. Some of the highlights include:

1. Car Exhibitions and Competitions

The main attraction of the event is, of course, the amazing list of Volkswagen vehicles displayed. There are a lot of them, believe me! Vintage and custom rides are evaluated by judges based on criteria such as design, modifications/tuning and originality!

Once the process of choosing is done by the judges, there are different awards that can be earned. For example, Best restoration, custom design or People’s choice. Isn’t that great?

2. Live Music and Entertainment

Music plays a major role in setting the festival’s upbeat atmosphere. Local bands and DJs perform throughout the event, providing a mix of rock, reggae, salsa, and other genres. The festival often features live performances from well-known Puerto Rican artists, adding to the lively ambiance.

3. Food and Drinks

No Puerto Rican festival would be complete without delicious food. Visitors can enjoy a variety of local dishes, including mofongo, alcapurrias, pinchos, and fresh seafood.

Food trucks and local vendors set up stalls, offering both traditional and modern takes on Puerto Rican cuisine. In addition, attendees can sip on refreshing drinks such as piña coladas, craft beers, and coconut water.

4. Family-Friendly Activities

The Rincón Volky Festival is designed to be a family-friendly event, with activities for children and adults alike. Face painting, games, and interactive workshops keep younger visitors entertained, while parents can explore the exhibits or relax by the beach.

There are also raffles and giveaways, with prizes that often include Volkswagen-themed merchandise and accessories.

5. Volkswagen Caravan and Parade

One of the most anticipated parts of the festival is the Volkswagen caravan and parade. Dozens of classic Beetles and buses cruise through the streets of Rincón in a colorful procession, showcasing the beauty and diversity of these historic vehicles.

Why Rincón?

While the event itself is amazing, it’s pretty common to ask why Rincón is the main place for this event. So I’ll explain it to you. Rincón is a small town on the western coast of the island (and very cool!), which has amazing beaches and a very chill atmosphere. It’s also renowned as one of the best surfing spots.

For many years this town has been the go-to place for many locals and tourists. If you are wondering why, it’s really simple: people want to relax or simply have a good adventure. There are many roads and landscapes to discover, which makes it a great setting for a car festival.

But that’s not all! While the festival itself is amazing, there’s plenty of other stuff to do. You might ask what: well, surfing at Domes Beach, checking the extremely beautiful Punta Higüero Lighthouse or simply relaxing under the sunset, for example! Classic cars, the ocean and beaches: what else can you ask for?

Community Impact and Charity Involvement

You must know that the festival isn’t only about sharing car love. The island and its events always have deep roots with the community. Isn’t that lovely? Most of the festival earnings go to charity, especially for those that support local organizations. It’s an amazing thing to do, always helping others!

As for which ones benefit from it, well, there are actually many! Schools, shelters for pets or conservation projects for a greener world. The festival is usually supporting local businesses too, providing a place for artisans or vendors to sell their products.

How to Participate

So, let’s say you got a Volky yourself! If you wanna showcase it or simply wanna participate, then let me tell you this: it’s really easy! Registration is announced in advance if you want to show your car, so you’ll have to sign up for the exhibition and competition. As for general admission, it’s open to the public!

It’s always recommended to book your accommodation early if you’re traveling. Many tourists often come to Rincón during the February/March season period, especially for these types of events. But still, there are many hotels, guesthouses or rentals from Airbnb to choose from.

Other Upcoming Festivals to Know About

El Yunque Volky Fest is an upcoming event taking place from June 13-15, bringing together Volkswagen enthusiasts for a unique gathering in the heart of Puerto Rico’s only tropical rainforest.

Hundreds of vintage VW Beetles and vans will converge in El Yunque, creating a vibrant atmosphere filled with classic car lovers, outdoor adventure, and a strong sense of community.

The festival will also feature camping, allowing participants to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying live music, local food, and activities celebrating both the automotive culture and the stunning surroundings of El Yunque.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a unique celebration that allows you to enjoy your passion for cars and Puerto Rican culture or landscapes, then the Rincón Volky Festival is for you! It’s a great moment for Volkswagen enthusiasts to gather, sharing their cars and a beautiful day with live music, food and entertainment.

Still, it doesn’t matter if you don’t own a Volky, or if you’re not a car lover! The event is open for every traveler that wants a unique experience, so don’t doubt and come to enjoy it! Any local resident or tourist wanting to embrace this festive event is welcomed.

With each year, this event continues to grow non-stop, attracting even more participants and people that simply want to spectate and enjoy the beautiful charm of Volkswagen cars. So if you’re in Puerto Rico next season, don’t forget about this event!