Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Tourism in September can be upended by tropical storms, but the heart of the hur-
ricaneseasonreallybeginsattheendofthemonth.Still,travelersshouldkeepaclose
eye on the weather.
FIESTA NUESTRA SEÑORA DE LA MONSERRATE
The Fiesta Nuestra Señora de la Monserrate in Aguas Buenas, high in the mountains above
San Juan, is a favorite among the scarce September festivals. Live music and street food
make for a lively atmosphere and the mountain setting is lovely.
October
Though this is the slow tourist season, the island's typical assortment of parties for
patron saints are scattered throughout the month. Hurricanes can undermine travel.
SURFING SAFARI
To kick off the big waves of winter, the island's west coast usually sees a pro-surfing com-
petition at the end of the month. The heart of the action is usually at Rincón, but ask at local
surf shops for details.
DÍA DEL DESCUBRIMIENTO DE AMÉRICA
Though Christopher Columbus is loathed throughout most of Latin America, Puerto Rico
celebrates his arrival - the so-called Día del Descubrimiento de América (Discovery of
American Day) - with a smattering of parades and street festivals on October 12.
November
American tourists begin descending on the island as the weather turns cold in the
north. Puerto Rico also sees many native sons and daughters return to the island for
the holidays.
FESTIVAL NACIONAL INDÍGENA
Although all pure-blooded Taíno have been gone for about 400 years, this Jayuya festival,
held mid-month, revives the games, costumes, food and music of the original islanders. As
with almost all Puerto Rican fiestas, there is a beauty pageant, this time with women in In-
dian dress.
