Virgin Islands–Puerto Rico Friendship Day in the U.S. Virgin Islands
Virgin Islands–Puerto Rico Friendship Day is a legal holiday in the U.S. Virgin Islands, observed on the second Monday in October. It recognizes the family, cultural, and community connections between Virgin Islanders and Puerto Ricans.[1][2]
A territorial holiday with a shared name
The Superior Court of the Virgin Islands lists the second Monday in October as “Columbus Day and Puerto Rico Friendship Day” among the territory’s legal holidays. The calendar rule places the observance on a Monday each year.[1]
The Virgin Islands government says the holiday was first recognized in 1964. A later gubernatorial statement describes the relationship between the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico through family ties, neighborly relations, business partnerships, and mutual economic and political connections.[2][3]
What the day recognizes
The observance draws attention to the ties between the two U.S. territories and to Puerto Ricans’ contributions to life in the Virgin Islands. The Governor’s Office has described Puerto Rican settlement in the territory as enriching the community and noted contributions to its economic and political progress.[3]
Official statements frame the day as a chance to recognize cooperation and enduring ties between the communities.[2][3]
Community events and local observance
The U.S. Virgin Islands’ visitor information lists a multiday VI–Puerto Rico Village festival on St. Croix as an example of local celebration. Its described features include food, music, and cultural presentations.[4]
The event information names St. Croix, while government statements also describe the holiday as a territory-wide observance. Event schedules and locations can vary, so travelers should check local announcements for details rather than assume that a particular program takes place every year.[2][4]
Closures and planning
The visitor listing says government offices are closed for the holiday, while local restaurants and businesses are typically open. Check directly with a specific office or business before making plans.[4]
The Superior Court includes the date among the territory’s legal holidays. Check with an employer, institution or transport operator for its schedule.[1]
Frequently asked questions
When is Virgin Islands–Puerto Rico Friendship Day?
Is it a legal holiday?
Yes. The Superior Court of the Virgin Islands lists it among the territory’s legal holidays, together with Columbus Day.[1]
Are government offices open?
The official visitor listing says government offices are closed for the holiday. Check with a specific office for its schedule.[4]
What events or businesses should visitors expect?
A visitor listing describes a VI–Puerto Rico Village festival on St. Croix with food, music, and cultural presentations, and says local restaurants and businesses are typically open. Check local listings for current event and business hours.[4]
Sources and references
Sources used for Virgin Islands–Puerto Rico Friendship Day in U.S. Virgin Islands:
- Holidays- Superior Court of the Virgin Islands
- Governor Bryan Issues Proclamations Recognizing Special Days, Weeks, and Months in October 2025- Government of the United States Virgin Islands
- Governor Bryan Proclaims VI-Puerto Rico Friendship Day- Government of the United States Virgin Islands
- Virgin Islands–Puerto Rico Friendship Day- U.S. Virgin Islands visitor information