Culture and Customs of Puerto Rico

Arts, Crafts, and Architecture

Arts

Crafts

Architecture

Museums

Customs and Traditions

Local Traditions

Etiquette

Dress and Behavior

Sensitive or Taboo Topics

Languages

English and Spanish are the two official languages of Puerto Rico. While some residents are more or less comfortable in both languages, Spanish remains by far the most widely spoken on the island, to the point that it is the "everyday language" for 95% of the population. In fact, English is primarily used in administration, tourism, and for ties with the USA—though it was "downgraded" in 2015 to the status of second official language, whereas it had previously been recognized as equal to Spanish.

Glossary

A few local words or expressions useful for travelers to know:

Festivals and Holidays

Major Events and Public Holidays

January 1: New Year’s Day.

January 6: Epiphany.

Second Monday in January: Eugenio María de Hostos’ Birthday.

Third Monday in January: Martin Luther King Day.

Third Monday in February: Presidents’ Day.

March 22: Abolition of Slavery.

March–April: Good Friday.

March–April: Easter.

Third Monday in April: José de Diego Day.

Last Monday in May: Memorial Day.

July 4: American Independence Day.

Third Monday in July: Luis Muñoz Rivera Day.

July 26: Commonwealth Day.

July 27: José Celso Barbosa’s Birthday.

First Monday in September: Labor Day.

October 11: Columbus Day.

November 11: Veterans Day.

November 19: Discovery of Puerto Rico.

Fourth Thursday in November: Thanksgiving.

December 25: Christmas.