Festivals and Events

January.

Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra. The annual season of the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra begins in San Juan with classical and pop performances by the island's finest orchestra.

Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián. The annual Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián features several nights of live music as well as food festivals and cabezudos parades, where folk legends are caricatured in oversize masks.

Rincón International Film Festival. Each year the Puerto Rico film industry hosts the Rincón International Film Festival, which showcases movies made on the island and around the world.

February-early March.

Carnival. In the days preceding Lent, Ponce celebrates Carnival with flamboyant costumes, parades, and music.

March.

Dulce Sueño Paso Fino Fair. Held in Guayama, the two-day Dulce Sueño Paso Fino Fair showcases the island's famous Paso Fino horses, which are bred and trained to walk with a smooth, distinctive gait.

Late August-early September.

International Light Tackle Blue Marlin Tournament. Anglers try their hand at snagging blue marlin and other game fish in the International Light Tackle Blue Marlin Tournament.

June.

SoFo Culinary Festival. For several days in both June and December, Old San Juan's Calle Fortaleza is closed to traffic for the SoFo Culinary Festival, when many restaurants set up shop on the cobblestone street.

Heineken JazzFest. The annual Heineken JazzFest attracts some 15,000 aficionados to San Juan for four days of outdoor concerts by the likes of Spyro Gyra and George Benson.

Casals Festival. San Juan's annual Casals Festival honors the world-renowned cellist Pablo Casals, who lived in Puerto Rico for several decades until his death. The 10 days of classical-music performances feature the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra, as well as soloists from the island and around the world.

November.

Festival de Mundillo. Moca's Festival de Mundillo showcases delicate woven lace with demonstrations and exhibits.

December.

Festival de los Máscaras. The annual Festival de los Máscaras honors the mask-making traditions of Hatillo, where colorful masks used in religious processions have been crafted for centuries.

Festival de Café. The mountain towns of Maricao and Yauco host the annual Festival de Café. There's music, crafts, and booths selling regional foods.

Puerto Rico Restaurant Week. For two weeks, dozens of restaurants offer a three-course prix-fixe menu, giving diners the chance to sample the island's latest culinary innovations.

Aibonito Flower Festival. This popular festival displays incredible tropical foliage, including countless varieties of colorful orchids and ginger plants. There's also plenty of food and music.

Saborea Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico's largest culinary event, Saborea Puerto Rico is a three-day extravaganza held at Escambrón Beach in San Juan. It includes presentations by island and international chefs, and food from local restaurants, as well as beer, wine, and rum tastings.