By Isabel Prontes
Puerto Rico is an island commonwealth of the
United States located in the
Caribbean Sea. This island is an extremely popular tourist destination, with its countless picturesque
beaches, hopping nightlife and many historical and cultural sites. If you are planning to visit Puerto Rico in the month of January, there are a lot of exciting events going on as well.
Festival de la Calle de San Sebastian
The Festival de la Calle de San Sebastian takes place in the capital city of San Juan (on San Sebastian Street)and lasts for three days. This festival is put on by the Institute for Puerto Rican culture and is a great way to celebrate Puerto Rican heritage and culture. There is entertainment galore, including folk dances, parades, arts and crafts, live music, food, games and so much more.
Location: San Sebastian Street, San Juan
Tel: (787) 724-0910
Fiesta de Reyes Isabelinos
The Fiesta de Reyes Isabelinos is held every year in the city of Isabela on January 5th and 6th. This festival has religious significance and celebrates the three Magi and their journey to find the baby Jesus. There is a vibrant fiesta that takes place in the Town Square (Plaza Manuel Maria Corchado y Juarbe) that consists of a "Velorio de Reyes," which is a traditional song that honors the Magi. Other activities include an arts and crafts fair and traditional Puerto Rican cuisine and beverages.
Tel: (787) 819-6555
LeLoLai Cultural Festival
The LeLoLai Cultural Festival starts in late January (January 27th) and lasts until May. If you visit Puerto Rico in late January, you have time to catch this festival. Put on by both the Puerto Rico Tourism Board and the San Juan National Historic Site, this is a cheap and fun way to experience culture and the arts in San Juan ($3 for adults, $2 for senior citizens, and $1 for children).
Norzagaray Street,
San Juan, PR 00901
Tel: (787) 729-6777
San Juan Museum of Art and History
This museum is housed in a traditional Spanish colonial structure and is located on the corner of Calle MacArthur. In the 19th century, this center was the biggest marketplace in San Juan. There are exhibitions consisting of artwork by local artists and audiovisual displays that depict the history of San Juan as a city.
150 Calle Norzagaray St
San Juan Puerto Rico
Tel: (787) 724-1875
Butterfly Art Gallery
The Butterfly Art Gallery consists of exquisite displays of butterflies that depict them in vibrant, kaleidoscopic arrangements that are sure to please you and your children. The renovated museum hosts a butterfly gallery and also has a kooky collection of butterfly-related artifacts and relics.
257 Calle De La Cruz
San Juan, PR 00901 Puerto Rico
Tel: (787) 723-2432
About the Author:
Isabel Prontes is a freelance writer and traveler residing in Manhattan, NY. She has traveled to five continents and counting. Her work has appeared on a number of websites, such as Travels, eHow.com and "Happy Living Magazine." Prontes has a professional background in public relations; she received a bachelor's degree in communication studies from Pace University.
