1. Introduction
If you’re visiting Puerto Rico in November, you’ll catch the communities at the beginning of the long-running and colorful Christmas season. Thanksgiving takes place on the fourth Thursday in November, so don’t miss your chance to celebrate this holiday with an authentic Puerto Rican-style meal.
2. Holidays, Events and Things to Do
Puerto Rico, as a United States Territory, celebrates both age-old island traditions and typical American holidays, albeit with a Latin twist.
- Turkey Day Latin Style: Thanksgiving is a special time on the island, with its unique Latin flavors and traditions enhancing the traditional holiday celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. Expect spice-enhanced favorites like turkey, ham, and dressing to be served with a twist. You might find turkey stuffed with mofongo, a popular plantain dish, and side dishes that may feature rice instead of potatoes. Visitors may consider a food and cultural bus tour into lechón country on Thanksgiving to relish coquito (coconut eggnog), roasted pork, live salsa dancing, and shopping for local arts and crafts.
- Baseball Season: The baseball season, showcasing the island’s most popular sport, kicks off in Puerto Rico in November and concludes in January. The territory boasts several professional clubs, with North American pros competing during the 36-game season.
- Jayuya Indian Festival: Taking place in the second week of November in the town of Jayuya, this festival celebrates the culture of the Taíno people, the island’s first inhabitants and ancestors to over 60 percent of Puerto Ricans. The festival features indigenous artists, performers, traditional dancing, cultural foods, exciting parades, and a Miss Taino Indian pageant honoring those who resemble their Taino ancestors.
- Discovery of Puerto Rico Day: Celebrated on November 19, this day marks the discovery of Puerto Rico by Columbus. Known as Día del Descubrimiento de Puerto Rico in Spanish, it is observed with school closures, festive parades, fairs, and cultural activities. In the town of Aguada, you can witness a special horse parade or Cabalgata.
- Veterans Day: Observed annually on November 11, Veterans Day is an official public holiday marked with a ceremony at the Puerto Rico National Cemetery in Bayamón.
- Festival de Pascuas: This event, held in mid-November over two days, marks the start of the holiday season in Puerto Rico. Named for the Christmas flower, the festival features live music, food stands, and showcases local arts and crafts.
3. Throughout November and December
In addition to special events and holidays, numerous activities take place throughout the winter months. Visitors have the opportunity to shop for produce and gifts while enjoying live jazz performances with picturesque bay views.
- Shop the Farmers Market: The Mercado Agrícola Natural, an organic farmers market, is located in the courtyard of the San Juan Museum in Old San Juan. The market operates on Saturday mornings from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. during November and December.
- Ventana al Jazz: This free outdoor jazz concert is held on the last Sunday of each month at 4 p.m. Attendees can enjoy a picnic while overlooking San Juan Bay, experiencing the talents of local jazz musicians.
