
Días Feriados de Puerto Rico Before: 2013!
Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory, has a unique mix of holidays that reflect its rich history, culture, and traditions. These holidays include both American federal holidays and Puerto Rican national holidays, making them different from holidays observed in the U.S. mainland.
In this article, we will explore the días feriados de Puerto Rico before: 2013, providing a deep dive into their history, significance, and how they were celebrated. We will also answer frequently asked questions to give you a complete understanding of Puerto Rico’s holidays before 2013.
Understanding Public Holidays in Puerto Rico Before 2013
Puerto Rico has long observed a combination of U.S. federal holidays and local Puerto Rican holidays. These public holidays reflect its Spanish heritage, American influence, and cultural traditions.

Before 2013, Puerto Rico had more official holidays than the U.S. mainland. Many of these were established under Spanish rule and continued after Puerto Rico became a U.S. territory in 1898.
Complete List of Días Feriados de Puerto Rico Before: 2013
Here is a list of the official public holidays that were observed in Puerto Rico before 2013:
Puerto Rican Holidays (Local National Holidays)
These holidays were unique to Puerto Rico and celebrated its history, culture, and key historical events:
- January 6 – Three Kings’ Day (Día de Reyes)
- Celebrates the visit of the Three Wise Men to baby Jesus.
- One of the most important holidays in Puerto Rico, especially for children.
- March 22 – Emancipation Day (Día de la Abolición de Esclavitud)
- Marks the abolition of slavery in Puerto Rico in 1873 when it was a Spanish colony.
- April 16 – José de Diego Day
- Honors José de Diego, a key figure in Puerto Rico’s fight for self-governance.
- July 25 – Constitution Day (Día de la Constitución de Puerto Rico)
- Celebrates the establishment of the Constitution of Puerto Rico in 1952.
- November 19 – Discovery of Puerto Rico Day (Día del Descubrimiento de Puerto Rico)
- Commemorates Christopher Columbus’ arrival in Puerto Rico in 1493.
- December 24 – Nochebuena (Christmas Eve, Observed Holiday)
- Not an official public holiday, but widely observed as a major celebration.
U.S. Federal Holidays Observed in Puerto Rico
Since Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, it observes all U.S. federal holidays. These include:
- New Year’s Day (January 1)
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Third Monday in January)
- Presidents’ Day (Third Monday in February)
- Memorial Day (Last Monday in May)
- Independence Day (July 4)
- Labor Day (First Monday in September)
- Columbus Day (Second Monday in October)
- Veterans Day (November 11)
- Thanksgiving Day (Fourth Thursday in November)
- Christmas Day (December 25)
Other Official Holidays in Puerto Rico Before 2013
In addition to U.S. and Puerto Rican holidays, other key dates were observed:
- Good Friday (Viernes Santo) – Celebrated in March or April (based on the Christian calendar)
- Easter Sunday – Celebrated in March or April
- Election Day (Día de Elecciones) – Every four years in November
- Columbus Day (Día de la Raza) – Observed differently from the U.S. mainland
How Were These Holidays Celebrated in Puerto Rico Before 2013?
Three Kings’ Day (Día de Reyes)
- Celebrated on January 6 with parades, music, and family gatherings.
- Children placed hay under their beds the night before for the Wise Men’s camels.
- In some towns, the government hosted festivals and gift-giving events for kids.
Emancipation Day (Día de la Abolición de Esclavitud)
- Celebrated on March 22, recognizing the end of slavery in Puerto Rico.
- Schools and organizations held educational events about the history of slavery.
- Some towns held parades and cultural performances.

Discovery of Puerto Rico Day (Día del Descubrimiento de Puerto Rico)
- Celebrated on November 19 to mark Columbus’ landing in Puerto Rico in 1493.
- Towns like Aguada and Arecibo hosted historical reenactments.
- Schools conducted lessons on Puerto Rico’s indigenous Taíno culture.
Changes in Public Holidays After 2013
In 2014, the Puerto Rican government reduced the number of public holidays to improve economic productivity. Some holidays, like José de Diego Day, were eliminated as official public holidays, while others were merged with existing ones.
Despite these changes, many Puerto Ricans still observe their traditional holidays, even if they are no longer public holidays.
FAQs About Días Feriados de Puerto Rico Before: 2013
Did Puerto Rico have more holidays than the U.S. mainland before 2013?
Yes, Puerto Rico had more public holidays than the mainland U.S. due to the inclusion of local national holidays, such as Three Kings’ Day and Discovery of Puerto Rico Day.
Why did Puerto Rico celebrate Three Kings’ Day as a public holiday?
Three Kings’ Day is deeply rooted in Puerto Rico’s Spanish Catholic traditions. It was considered more important than Christmas for many families, especially for children.
Why was Emancipation Day important in Puerto Rico before 2013?
Emancipation Day on March 22 was a public holiday to honor the abolition of slavery in Puerto Rico in 1873 under Spanish rule. It was a day of remembrance and celebration.
How did Puerto Rico celebrate Christmas before 2013?
Puerto Rico celebrated Christmas with:
- Aguinaldos (Puerto Rican Christmas carols)
- Parrandas (musical street parties, similar to caroling)
- Nochebuena (Christmas Eve dinner with family feasts)
What holiday changes occurred after 2013?
After 2013, the Puerto Rican government reduced the number of official public holidays to improve work efficiency. Some holidays were eliminated, while others were merged.
Conclusion
Before 2013, Puerto Rico had a rich and diverse calendar of public holidays that combined U.S. federal holidays with local Puerto Rican traditions. These holidays reflected the island’s unique history, culture, and identity.
Even though some of these holidays were removed from the official public holiday list after 2013, Puerto Ricans continue to celebrate them in their own way, keeping traditions alive.
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