Puerto Rico Friendship Day (Columbus Day) in US Virgin Islands

Puerto Rico Friendship Day, which coincides with Columbus Day, is celebrated in the US Virgin Islands on the second Monday in October. This holiday has dual significance: it recognizes Christopher Columbus's arrival in the Americas and celebrates the close ties between the people of Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.

History

• Columbus Day: Commemorates Columbus's landing in the New World on October 12, 1492. It became a federal holiday in the United States in 1937.
• Puerto Rico Friendship Day: Established to honor the strong relationship between Puerto Ricans and residents of the US Virgin Islands.

Traditions

• Parades and Festivities: In normal years, parades and cultural festivities highlight Puerto Rican heritage and its influence on Virgin Islands culture.
• Cultural Exchange: Exhibitions of art, dance, music, and food that represent both Puerto Rican culture and its impact on the USVI.
• Educational Events: Schools may hold special programs or assemblies to educate students about historical events related to Columbus’s voyages and interactions between different cultures.

What People Do

• Community Gatherings: Residents often participate in or attend events that celebrate Puerto Rican culture.
• Public Ceremonies: Official ceremonies may include speeches from leaders reflecting on historical ties and current friendships.
• Cultural Appreciation: Enjoyment of traditional Puerto Rican cuisine, music, dance performances, and other cultural displays is common on this day.