Discovery Day in Puerto Rico
November 19th is celebrated in Puerto Rico as Discovery Day, or Día del Descubrimiento de Puerto Rico as it’s known in Spanish. This public holiday commemorates the arrival of Christopher Columbus to the island near the end of the 15th century. When Columbus visited the island, he would end up naming it San Juan Bautista in honor of Saint John the Baptist.
Puerto Rico (Bank/public sector holiday)However, this name wouldn’t end up sticking as later settlers to the island would end up naming it Puerto Rico — a name that means “Rich Port” in Spanish. Because this is a public holiday, many people have the day off and some businesses are closed.
The History Of Discovery Day In Puerto Rico
In 1493, Christopher Columbus embarked on his second voyage to the New World, taking with him over 1,200 soldiers and 17 ships. On the 19th of November that year, he would anchor in a bay on the northwest coast of what is now known as Puerto Rico. He would end up naming the island in honor of Saint John the Baptist by naming it San Juan Bautista.
Over the next 15-years, not many people paid much attention to the islands, however. Then Juan Ponce de Leon was given permission to explore the island in 1508. Because he found a large bay that was capable of harboring many ships at one time, he named this port Puerto Rico, a term which means “Rich Port.” Eventually, that name would become the name for the entire island.
Observing Discovery Day In Puerto Rico
This holiday is observed with a number of special events all across Puerto Rico. There are parades, concerts, and cultural festivals. People can also look forward to fairs and since it’s the traditional beginning of the Christmas season, it’s a time in which many residents decided to put up their holiday decorations.
Puerto Rico (Bank/public sector holiday)
