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Puerto Rico
Calendar Of
Events
& Public Holidays |
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2007 Calendar of Events
and Public Holidays
N.B. These dates are
subject to change annually |
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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. |
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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. |
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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.
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Late 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. |
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February 18 |
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. |
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March 22 |
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. |
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April 16 |
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. |
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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. |
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July 4 |
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. |
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July 25 |
Commonwealth Constitution Day
The marks the day the Puerto Rican constitution was introduced
after its commonwealth status was achieved, leaving the island free to
shape its own legislation. |
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July 27 |
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. |
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July 15 |
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. |
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Labour Day
This day of rest is observed in September, with many families gathering
together to enjoy the holiday, while fireworks are also common. |
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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. |
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November 11 |
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. |
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November 19 |
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. |
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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. |
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December 24 |
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. |
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December 25 |
Christmas
Held annually on 25 December, this religious festival sees
present-giving, the singing of Christmas carols, feasting and general
partying. |
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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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