Flavors of Puerto Rico > Celebrations of Food

Because food is an intrinsic part of Puerto Rican culture, it is no wonder festivals celebrating regional specialties take place practically year round. The southern region of Salinas, known for seafood, is host to the Salinas Carnival in April. Shrimp lovers should consider visiting the western town of Moca in May for the Festival del Camarón de Río (The River Shrimp Festival), where local restaurants and kiosks hold tastings and showcase local recipes. In Lares, located in western Porta del Sol, one can sample at least 12 varieties of bananas at the Banana Festival. Those with a sweet tooth should visit the island during the last weekend of August for the Puff Pastry Festival in the western town of Añasco. In October, the northern town of Corozal hosts the National Plantain Festival. The coastal town of Arecibo, where the sardine is considered a delicacy, holds the annual Cetí (a miniature relative of the sardine) Festival. These are just a few of the culinary celebrations that visitors traveling to Puerto Rico might stumble across at any time of year.

The pinnacle of Puerto Rico’s culinary festivals takes place every spring on beautiful and worldfamous Escambrón Beach in San Juan. Visitors are invited to experience a celebration of gastronomic offerings at Saborea, a weekend that also educates attendees on recreating favorite dishes and developing new ones. With tastings and daily demo kitchens boasting renowned chefs, both local and nationally known, Saborea offers a true paradise for culinary enthusiasts.