Noche de San Juan

Every June 23d, Puerto Ricans celebrate la Noche de San Juan – an eve of a feast for Saint John, the Baptist's birth. Unlike other festivities around the world, in Puerto Rico, this celebration -which occurs two days before the summer solstice- marks a holiday spent at the beach. The tradition goes that at the stroke of midnight, people take at least three backward plunges – though some do seven or 12 dives, to rid life of all negativity.

To celebrate like a local, head to your preferred beach early and ensure you get a great spot near the shore. To avoid the busy beaches, join the festivities at any of the hotels throughout the Island that hold big parties to celebrate the occasion.