Spring in Puerto Rico is made for celebration. As the island warms under bright skies, plazas, beaches, and stadiums come alive with vibrant festivals rooted in food, culture, and tradition. From colorful kites dancing over the sea to tomato battles in the mountains, April is full of unforgettable moments. Whether you’re craving local flavor, community spirit, or just a reason to dance—this guide has you covered. Here’s your ultimate guide to April festivals in Puerto Rico — mark your calendars, pack your appetite, and bring your camera!
April 5–6: Festival de Chiringas – Isabela’s Kite-Flying Celebration
Middles Beach, Isabela
Kites take center stage at this beloved coastal celebration. Held on the breezy shores of Isabela, the Festival de Chiringas is a vibrant display of color, creativity, and Caribbean wind. Families, artists, and kite enthusiasts from all over Puerto Rico gather to launch handmade chiringas (kites) into the sky.
Must-See: Giant kites soaring above the beach, live music, local artisans, and fun competitions.
Perfect For: Families, photographers, and beach lovers looking for a festive coastal vibe.
Tip: Bring your own kite or purchase one from local vendors—there are plenty of designs to choose from.
More Info: FaceBook
April 10–13: Fiestas Patronales de Juana Díaz – A Celebration of Faith & Culture
Plaza Juana Díaz Sur, Juana Díaz
Puerto Rico’s patron saint festivals are where tradition and celebration collide. The Fiestas Patronales in Juana Díaz feature live music, religious processions, carnival rides, and community pride all in one place. It’s the heartbeat of the town, honoring San Ramón Nonato with days of devotion and nights of dancing.
Must-See: Live salsa bands, artisans selling local crafts, and traditional foods like alcapurrias and pinchos.
Perfect For: Cultural travelers, families, and anyone looking to experience small-town Puerto Rican spirit.
Insider Tip: Don’t miss Sunday’s mass and procession—it’s deeply moving and uniquely Puerto Rican.
More Info: FaceBook
April 11–12: Festival del Tomate – A Juicy Mountain Tradition
Complejo Deportivo Filiberto García, Jayuya
Get ready to get messy (in the best way). The Festival del Tomate in Jayuya celebrates the tomato harvest with cooking competitions, tomato-themed games, and plenty of saucy surprises. It’s one of the most playful and flavorful festivals in the central mountains of Puerto Rico.
Must-Try: Tomato salsas, tomato juices, and even tomato desserts created by local chefs.
Perfect For: Foodies, culinary adventurers, and families looking for fun in the mountains.
Pro Tip: Bring a change of clothes—you might end up in a tomato-throwing contest!
More Info: Facebook
April 12: Festival del Tinglar – Celebrate Sea Turtle Season in Luquillo
Plaza Rosendo Matienzo Cintrón, Calle Jesús T. Piñero, Luquillo
Every April, Luquillo honors the arrival of the leatherback sea turtle (tinglar) with a festival that’s equal parts educational and festive. The Festival del Tinglar brings conservation awareness to life through live music, eco-friendly vendors, local food, and fun for the whole family. It’s a seaside celebration that showcases the town’s love for nature—and its vibrant community spirit.
Must-See: Environmental exhibits, sea turtle-themed art, kids’ workshops, and live bomba and plena performances.
Perfect For: Nature lovers, families, eco-conscious travelers, and anyone looking to connect with Puerto Rico’s coastal culture.
Insider Tip: Pair the festival with a morning visit to Luquillo Beach or a rainforest hike in nearby El Yunque—then stay for the music and local eats at the Luquillo Kiosks.
More Info: FaceBook
April 25–27: Reenactment of the 1797 Battle of San Juan – History Comes to Life in Old San Juan
Various locations across Old San Juan & Escambrón Beach
Step back in time and witness one of the most pivotal moments in Puerto Rican history—the 1797 Battle of San Juan. This immersive, multi-day reenactment brings the British attack on San Juan to life through live demonstrations, parades, historical exhibits, and dramatic performances. Held throughout Old San Juan and Escambrón Beach, the event honors Puerto Rico’s resilience and the strategic defense led by Spanish troops and local militias.
Must-See: Uniformed reenactors firing cannons at El Morro, naval reenactments at Escambrón Beach, and interactive tours that reveal the military tactics of the era.
Perfect For: History buffs, families, and anyone curious about Puerto Rico’s colonial past.
Insider Tip: Arrive early for reenactments at El Morro—they draw crowds, and the views are unbeatable. Bonus: many events are free and kid-friendly!
April 18–20: Puerto Rico Comic Con – The Caribbean’s Biggest Pop Culture Celebration
Puerto Rico Convention Center, San Juan
Step into a world of fantasy, fandom, and fun at Puerto Rico Comic Con, the island’s largest entertainment and pop culture event. From anime and gaming to comics, movies, and cosplay, this three-day convention draws thousands of fans and top-tier talent from across the globe. Held at the spacious Puerto Rico Convention Center, the event features panel discussions, collectibles, cosplay contests, gaming zones, and a bustling expo floor packed with vendors and creators.
Must-See: Don’t miss celebrity photo ops and autograph sessions (available at an extra charge) with major guests including Elijah Wood, Tyler Hoechlin, Christopher Sabat, and Troy Baker.
Perfect For: Pop culture fans, gamers, cosplayers, and anyone who dreams of meeting their favorite stars.
Tip: Buy your tickets early and check the official schedule online to plan photo ops, Q&A panels, and meet-and-greets—it gets busy fast!
April 24–27: Festival Torito Plata – Cayey’s Legendary Festival Returns
Estadio Pedro Montañez, PR-14, Cayey
Named after a legendary local bull, the Festival Torito Plata in Cayey mixes folklore, food, and music into one high-energy event. Expect cultural shows, horseback parades, and traditional sports. It’s a true celebration of Cayey’s countryside heritage.
Must-See: Live jíbaro music, equestrian exhibitions, and the symbolic reenactment of the Torito Plata legend.
Perfect For: Culture seekers, music fans, and travelers curious about Puerto Rican folklore.
Insider Tip: Grab a seat early—some events draw big crowds!
More Info: FaceBook
April 25–27: Carnaval Abey – Salinas’ Colorful Explosion of Music & Dance
Plaza Las Delicias de Salinas
Carnaval Abey is pure joy in motion. This lively event turns downtown Salinas into a rhythmic parade of colors, costumes, and Caribbean beats. From vejigantes (traditional masked dancers) to bomba and plena troupes, it’s a visual and musical feast.
Must-See: The dazzling parade, local bands, and dance performances throughout the weekend.
Perfect For: Music lovers, parade chasers, and anyone looking to party Puerto Rican style.
Fun Fact: “Abey” refers to Salinas’ Taino roots—this carnival honors that cultural legacy.
More Info: FaceBook
April 25–27: Festival del Apio – A Root Vegetable with a Cult Following
Pabellón de las Artes y la Juventud, Barranquitas
Yes, there’s an entire festival dedicated to celery root (apio)—and it’s delicious. The Festival del Apio celebrates the mountain-grown root vegetable with culinary contests, tastings, and educational exhibits. Barranquitas locals take pride in this earthy crop, and it shows.
Must-Try: Apio soup, fritters, and even desserts. Yes, apio flan exists—and it’s surprisingly good.
Perfect For: Curious food lovers, farm-to-table fans, and those exploring Puerto Rico’s agricultural side.
Insider Tip: Pair apio dishes with local coffee—Barranquitas roasts are some of the best on the island.
More Info: FaceBook
Quick Look: April Festivals in Puerto Rico
| Date | Festival Name | Location |
|---|---|---|
| April 5–6 | Festival de Chiringas | Middles Beach, Isabela |
| April 10–13 | Juan Diaz Fiestas Patronales | Plaza Juana Díaz Sur, Juana Díaz |
| April 11–12 | Festival del Tomate | Complejo Deportivo Filiberto García, Jayuya |
| April 12 | Festival del Tinglar | Plaza Rosendo Matienzo Cintrón, Luquillo |
| April 15–17 | Reenactment of the 1797 Battle of San Juan | Various locations across Old San Juan & Escambrón Beach |
| April 18-20 | Puerto Rico Comic Con | Puerto Rico Convention Center |
| April 24-27 | Festival Torito Plata | Estadio Pedro Montañez, PR-14, Cayey |
| April 25–27 | Festival del Apio | Pabellón de las Artes y la Juventud, Barranquitas |
| April 25–27 | Carnaval Abey | Plaza Las Delicias, Salinas |
Final Notes & Travel Tips
- Most festivals are free entry, but food, drinks, and rides are pay-as-you-go.
- Bring cash, especially in mountain towns where card readers may be limited.
- Wear comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and stay hydrated—it’s sunny season!
- Follow local tourism pages or municipal Facebook accounts for last-minute updates.
Photo: Taller Sol Taíno-Jayuya
