Puerto Rico's calendar is built on traditions that come back every year — street festivals that close the Christmas season, carnivals rooted in centuries of folk culture, jazz celebrations in a city that takes music seriously. These are the events locals plan around and visitors remember. All events listed here are annual and recurring; dates are updated as each year's details are confirmed.
Visiting Puerto Rico? A 30-day medical cannabis tourist permit is available online for US citizens — typically reviewed within the hour.
Annually, mid-January — marks the traditional close of the Puerto Rican Christmas season — check the official site for confirmed dates
The largest street festival on the island fills Old San Juan for four days every January. Music, folkloric arts, traditional food, and the community energy that marks the official close of the Puerto Rican Christmas season. Free to attend.
Official siteAnnually, the week before Ash Wednesday — dates shift each year with the Catholic calendar — check the official site for confirmed dates
Ponce celebrates Carnaval the week before Ash Wednesday with processions, live music, and the island's most iconic vejigante masks — papier-mâché creations with dozens of pointed horns in vivid colors. One of Puerto Rico's oldest and most distinctive celebrations.
Official siteAnnually, typically in spring — a culinary festival celebrating Puerto Rican and Caribbean cuisine — check the official site for confirmed dates
A multi-day culinary festival that brings together Puerto Rico's top chefs, regional ingredients, and Caribbean flavors. Held in San Juan each spring, it is one of the Caribbean's premier food events — part tasting showcase, part celebration of the island's culinary identity.
Official siteAnnually, last weekend of April — three days of jazz in southern Puerto Rico — check the official site for confirmed dates
Three days of jazz on the last weekend of April, staged in Ponce — Puerto Rico's second city and a hub of the island's arts scene. A relaxed, high-quality festival that draws musicians and fans from across the region.
Official siteJune 23, 2027
On the night of June 23, Puerto Ricans head to the beach at midnight and walk backward into the sea — a tradition said to bring good luck for the coming year. The beaches of Condado and Isla Verde fill with locals and visitors alike. No tickets, no stages: just a living tradition on the sand.
Official siteAnnually — an established Latin jazz festival held in San Juan; check the official site for this year's dates
An established annual Latin jazz festival in San Juan. Specific dates vary by year — check the official site for confirmed dates before planning your trip.
Official siteVisitors from the US can apply online for a 30-day medical cannabis tourist permit — the whole process is done from your phone and is typically reviewed within the hour.
MedCardPR lists these events as a resource for visitors. We do not organise, sponsor, or affiliate with any of the events above. Always verify dates and details on the official site before making travel plans.