Discover the beauty and warmth of Puerto Rico in 2024. Commonly referred to as the most LGBTQ+-friendly island in the Caribbean, Puerto Rico is a destination where travellers from all backgrounds and identities can come together and enjoy Puerto Rico’s unique offering of rich culture, buzzy nightlife, diverse restaurants and endless local hotspots just waiting to be discovered! There is no better way for travellers to experience the island’s vibrant colour and character than by taking part in Puerto Rico’s Pride Month.
What to do
Since opening its doors in 2021, Kweens Klub has made a name for itself as the biggest LGBTQ+ dance club in Puerto Rico, hosting phenomenal drag shows every Friday night showcasing a mixture of local and international talent throughout the year, but of course all the stops are pulled out during Pride month. Situated just a short walk from the action of the Condado beachfront, Kweens Klub is San Juan’s most beloved gay club.
As one of the final celebrations of the month, taking place on the 29th June, active travellers in San Juan can choose to take part in the ‘All Out 5K’. All runners are encouraged to wear colourful outfits on the 5km route through the capital, which ends in Distrito T-Mobile for an all-out festival of live music and dancing.
For those exploring the Island outside of San Juan, La Cantina is an especially popular bar among the LGBTQ+ community, situated in the southern city of Ponce. Full of great cocktails, live music and drag performances, this bustling karaoke hotspot has every ingredient for a great night.
Those looking to make the most of the trip should head south-west to Cabo Rojo for the Orgullo Boquerón Pride festival which takes place between the 6th-9th June 2024. Boqueron Pride is one of the biggest LGBTQ+ festivals in Puerto Rico, spanning three days and featuring some of the biggest parties, parades and live performances from big local names such as Bryan Villarini, Magda and Alex Torres.
The Pride Parade in San Juan
Taking place on Sunday 23rd June, San Juan Pride puts the exclamation mark on Pride Month with an array of local and international talent including music, dancing and dazzling drag performances. The parade starts in Condado’s Parque del Indio, and travellers can settle into a spot along the route to marvel at rainbow-coloured floats, people on stilts and roller skates, go-go dancers, and drag queens. The crowds make their way down Ashford Avenue, a tradition that dates back to the first ever Pride parade in 1990, where groups of brave activists marched for equality. The enchanting celebrations culminate in an all-out festival of live performances and passionate speeches on a massive stage area in the Parque del Tercer Milenio, wrapping up an unforgettable day.
Where to stay
Those seeking an incredible stay should look no further than the O:live Boutique Hotel. Situated amid Condado’s luxurious selection of shops and restaurants, the O:live hotel is a mediterranean-inspired destination which presents a unique style of relaxed luxury with a boutique feel. The guest suites blend beautifully with the magical natural surroundings and come fitted with luxury amenities such as queen-sized beds and rainfall showers with massage jets. Many of the suites include a veranda with an outdoor bathtub to ensure a serene and relaxing stay.
