Puerto Rico Cultural Insight

Puerto Ricans never need an excuse to celebrate so when they have one, the entire island is alive with activity. Each town in Puerto Rico celebrates their patron saint’s day, 'Fiestas Patronales'. The festivities last for ten days during which time there are religious processions, games, dance and of course loud music. A major cultural event, held in June, is the San Juan’s Casal’s Festival that attracts classical musicians from all over. This is regarded as one of the main events in the entire Caribbean. There are various other events held through the year when Puerto Ricans take to the streets.

Music is the soul of the island and you’ll hear it blaring in the background no matter where you are, at the beach, in your hotel, on the street – everywhere and anywhere. The real Puerto Rican music is however rarely heard in the tourist areas and you need to visit the countryside to experience it. Slow, romantic and sentimental, it differs completely form the rock and salsa you would have heard elsewhere. African culture has influenced the music scenario as well though there are few Africans descendants in the island.