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.