Puerto Rico is an island rich in culture, history, and vibrant traditions. More than 6 million people visit Puerto Rico each year and experience the lively festivals and unique customs that beautifully reflect the island’s soul and heart.
Unlike other popular destinations, Puerto Rico’s unique traditions are a blend of Spanish, African, and Taíno influences. These traditions are more than just celebrations—they tell the story of Puerto Rico’s past, honor its diverse heritage, and bring communities together.
From lively festivals to unique customs, here are nine traditions that make Puerto Rico truly special. If you’re planning a visit, you can’t skip these customs!
9 Unique Traditions That Define Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is a vibrant island filled with so much culture and history – truly a one-of-a-kind place to visit. These 9 unique traditions define Puerto Rico and make an excellent addition to your trip to Puerto Rico.
1. Carnaval de Ponce
Colorful, elaborate costumes. Vibrant live music. And the can’t-miss “Burial of the Sardine.”
The Carnaval de Ponce is perhaps one of the most famous festivals in Puerto Rico. This week-long celebration, a pre-Lenten tradition, dates back over 250 years. If you’re visiting Puerto Rico, you simply cannot skip it.
The highlight of Carnaval de Ponce is the Vejigante parade, where people dress in colorful, elaborate costumes and masks inspired by Spanish and African traditions. The carnaval includes live music, dance performances, and a grand finale known as the “Burial of the Sardine,” symbolizing the end of the celebrations and the beginning of Lent.
You won’t find another event like this!
When: The week before Ash Wednesday
2. Noche de San Juan
Each year, Noche de San Juan celebrates the summer solstice with beach gatherings, music, and a special ritual. The ritual? People walk backward into the ocean at midnight for good luck. What better way to ring in the solstice?
This tradition is rooted in Spanish customs – but since its first days, the celebration has evolved into a giant beach party, where locals and tourists alike come together to swim, dance, and soak up the atmosphere.
Locals believe the ocean cleanses bad luck – so getting in the water allows for a fresh start in the coming year. Noche de San Juan remains one of the most vibrant celebrations in Puerto Rico, one that encapsulates the island’s love for celebration.
When: June 23, 2025
3. Casals Festival
Music lovers will love Casals Festival, an annual classical music festival honoring world-renowned cellist Pablo Casals.
Top international musicians from around the world gather to play orchestral performances, chamber music, and solo recitals. The events happen in the prestigious (and beautiful!) Luis A. Ferré Performing Arts Center. If you’re traveling in the spring, it’s a must-visit event!
When: May or June
4. Festival de Santiago Apóstol
This traditional festival, which takes place in the town of Loíza, honors Saint James. Expect elaborate processions, drumming, and African-culture-inspired dance performances.
What makes Festival de Santiago Apóstol so special is the unique mix of Puerto Rico’s Spanish and Afro-Caribbean heritage. The celebrations include religious ceremonies, vibrant parades, and the famous bomba dance, where drummers and dancers engage in a lively call-and-response performance. It’s a true testament to the African influences in Puerto Rican culture.
When: late July
5. San Sebastián Street Festival
At the start of each year, locals gather in Old San Juan for the San Sebastián Street Festival. Known for its lively parades, street performances, and artisan markets, this festival is truly one of the most unique traditions in Puerto Rico.
Decades ago, this festival began as a way to raise funds to restore the beloved San José Church. Since then, however, it’s evolved into a massive cultural event. Visitors and locals alike enjoy live music, traditional arts and crafts as well as flavorful street food. It’s a contagious, lively festival – and a definite can’t-miss when visiting Puerto Rico.
When: January
6. Three Kings Day (Día de Reyes)
Three King Day is celebrated at the start of each year and marks an important day for Puerto Rican families. The holiday marks the arrival of the Three Wise Men to visit baby Jesus, and for some Puerto Ricans, it’s considered a more significant holiday than Christmas.
To celebrate, families will exchange gifts; before bed, children will place shoeboxes under their beds, full of hay for camels of the Three Kings. The day is filled with community parades, a live nativity scene, and festive music.
In addition, many towns will hold extra special events; men dressed as Three Kings will give gifts to children. No matter where you are in Puerto Rico during this day, you’ll feel the festive spirit.
When: January 6
7. Bomba and Plena Dance Traditions
To this day, music and dancing remain a major part of Puerto Rico’s unique traditions. Bomba and plena are two traditional Puerto Rican music and dance styles that originated from African and indigenous roots.
You’ll know these performances when you see them. These energetic performances involve call-and-response singing, live drumming, and improvised dance moves.
Bomba is a form of communication between the drummer and the dancer. During the dance, the dancer challenges the drummer to match their movements.
On the other hand, plena is known as the “sung newspaper of Puerto Rico” because it often tells stories about social and political events.
Despite their differences, both styles of celebration are often used at festivals and performances across Puerto Rico.
8. Puerto Rican Danza Puertorriqueña
Danza Puertorriqueña is a type of traditional Puerto Rican music with strong European roots, particularly from Spain – though it has strong ties to the city of Ponce. This style of music emerged in the 19th century as a refined, elegant dance style. It’s often seen performed in grand ballrooms or social gatherings; you’ll recognize its romantic and sophisticated melodies featuring strings, brass and woodwinds.
The genre gained national recognition thanks to composers like Juan Morel Campos, whose works continue to be celebrated in Puerto Rican music history. Today, Ponce remains the heart of this tradition, hosting events and performances that keep the spirit of danza alive.
9. Parrandas: Puerto Rico’s Holiday Carols
If you plan to visit Puerto Rico during the holidays, you’re in for a treat. During the holiday season, Puerto Ricans take part in “parrandas,” a lively version of Christmas caroling.
Expect to see groups of musicians travel from home to home, playing traditional music and spreading cheer. Most families will welcome them with food and drinks at each stop.
Unlike traditional caroling in America, parranderos do not announce their visit. Instead, parranderos will surprise their hosts – who will then join the group and continue the journey through the neighborhood. It’s a unique way to strengthen community bonds!
When: December
Custom Experiences with Rico Sun Tours
Puerto Rico’s unique experiences are a celebration of life, culture, and history. Whether you’re dancing in the streets to vibrant music or exploring the carnaval, there’s so much history behind every corner.
Looking to plan the perfect trip to Puerto Rico? We offer a variety of experiences, including cultural walking tours, sunset boat rides, and custom group excursions to the island’s most famous festivals. Let us help you create unforgettable memories! Get in touch now.
