There are so many things to do in western Puerto Rico.  Even if you are staying in the eastern or metro San Juan region, a drive out to the west coast is well worth the trip and will give you an inside glimpse to a whole different Puerto Rico.  The western side of Puerto Rico is much drier – you will see lots of cactus and the days will be hot and sunny, rather than humid like the eastern half of the island.  Going to the West for a roadtrip or mini-vacation is a favorite pastime of the Crew at Caribbean Trading Company.  After many years of trips out there, here is our list of the Top 5 Things to Do in Western Puerto Rico:

1.  Rincon

Rincon is considered the mecca of surfing.  Hosts of the 1968 Surfing Championships, and this year a host of the RipCurl Pro Tour, it is considered the surf capital of the Caribbean.  There are several beaches with great surfing, and it is known for it’s consistent excellent waves.    For a real unforgettable scuba diving and snorkeling experience then book a tour to Mona Island or Desecheo Island, two of the offshore uninhabited islands of Puerto Rico where you can explore a colorful and healthy underwater world.The vibe in this town is very relaxed and chill – grab a breakfast burrito and head to the beach to watch the sun rise and then hit the waves!  This area is great for a weekend stay- there are lots of little shops, great restaurants, a fun nightlife, and lots of great beaches to keep you busy.

2. Guanica and Gilligan’s Island

Located on the Southwestern area, this

You can visit the Guanica State Forest, a Biosphere Reserve where you can hike, or take a scenic drive through the subtropical forest and roads along the coast with spectacular Caribbean Sea views.  Also, take the ferry out to Gilligan’s Island, a small island off the coast and part of the Reserve.  It is perfect for children and has excellent snorkeling.

3. Cabo Rojo – Salts Flats and the Lighthouse

Cabo Rojo is located in the Southwestern point of Puerto Rico and is known for its’ Salt Flats.  Upon arrival, you can take an interpretative tour and there is a lookout tower as well.  The lighthouse is the most scenic location on the island of Puerto Rico. No words to describe the beauty of this place, you just have to get there to see it. Photographers’ haven, great sunsets.

4. Mayaguez – Home of the Brazo Gitano

Mayaguez is the 3^rd largest city in Puerto Rico, and has some great cultural offerings.  Granted, it is difficult to find your way around the city if you are unfamiliar with it, but it is worth the effort.  First off, enjoy a Brazo Gitano direct from the source. Click here for more info.  Also worth visiting is the Zoo, great for children, or visit the Tropical Agricultural Research Station where you can walk their parks filled with all manner of tropical fruits and flowers.

5. Aguadilla -

Aguadilla is fast becoming a tourist attraction in it’s own right these days, fueled by the International Airport located there.  It also is known for its’ excellent beaches, particularly Crash Boat with its’ crystal clear waters, and the surfing is stellar.  Gas Chambers and Wilderness are also excellent beaches.  It particularly makes our list because of the many activities that are great for kids.  It’s  Parque Acuático Las Cascadas is a modern aquatic theme park, and  the biggest in the Caribbean.  There is also a skate park and the Aguadilla Ice Skating Arena (tel. 787-819-5555), the only ice skating facility in the Caribbean region.

Bonus #6: The Sunsets.  The Sunsets on the west coast are a sight to behold, and each time we go there we are on the lookout for that green flash you get when the sun hits the horizon – and more often than not, one will see it.  Filled with brilliant colors of orange and reds, the sunsets are not to be missed!

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San Andres, which is only approximately 150 km away from Nicaragua and is located only 800 km in the northeast part of Colombia, is one of the island regions in the Caribbean that faces a lot of isolation. This island, together with two other islands that are located in the southern area; and five others that are located in the northern part of this country and have atolls that are not inhabited; are part of the archipelago. It is an ideal location for honeymoons and wedding ceremonies thanks to its spectacular sights such as the small cays and scattering sandbanks.

The nearest cays to San Andres, namely the magnificent Haynes Cay and Johnny Cay, which are easy to access by using small-scale vessels since they are only approximately two kilometers away from it, are at the end of the horizon on the northeastern part of this island. Bolivar Cay, which is the most amazing islet of San Andres Tropical Island, is only sixteen nautical miles to its southwestern part. This islet is very popular with snorkelers and scuba divers thanks to the coral reefs that surround it.

San Andres, which is a seahorse shaped island, is the leading holiday destination and primary isle in the archipelago thanks to the exotic white sand beaches that flank it. This island, which is a historical volcanic landscape, has an accumulation of coralline tiers that are more than one thousand years old and numerous coconut palm trees. In order for tourists to travel away from its mainland and go towards its adjoining cays, they use jetties and its international airport for arrival and departure but they have to apply for passport beforehand to make this possible.

Providencia Island on the other hand seems like a very different country and not just a world aside because it is quieter thanks to its smaller size. This island, which is located 90 km to the northern part of San Andres, is only 17 square kilometers and was known as Old Providence in the olden days. It helps in making the whole archipelago an ideal location for scuba divers and snorkelers by offering similar rich marine life, extensive coral reefs, and turquoise sea to that of the San Andres Island. This island is the second largest in the archipelago.

Although the beaches in Providencia Island, which include Bahia Manzanillo, Bahia Suroeste, and Bahia Aguadulce, that are located at its southern end, are gorgeous, they rarely receive visitors because they are tiny. The shoreline of this island has numerous other idyllic stretches and tiny white sand bays. This island , which is one most isolated regions in the Caribbean just like the San Andres island, has open sided restaurants that are not only calypso shrouded but also offer exceptional service. Time is one of the least important concerns in this quiet island because it allows its visitors to enjoy their lives at a leisurely pace.

Just like the San Andres Island, Providencia Island is the ideal location for honeymoons and wedding ceremonies because it has spectacular sights such as small cays and sandbanks.

Owing to the aforementioned unique features, the San Andres and Providencia islands are the most wonderful locations to visit and all that people need to do is to apply for passport.

About the Author: Ellen Nicola is an expert author who specializes in the provision of overviews about the leading and outstanding holiday destinations across the world in order to enable travelers to make wise choices. She has a wealth of experience that spans more than 10 years.

There are so many things to do in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico – where does one begin? There are infinite possibilities to fit every mood and interest, but the crew here at Caribbean Trading Company have some personal favorites. Here’s some of the local spots that we return to time and again in the town of Rio Grande in Puerto Rico…

Rio Grande is located in the Northeastern corner of Puerto Rico, about 35 minutes from San Juan.

1. Palmer

An on-the-cusp artisan community, there are many things to do in Puerto Rico’s El Yunque Art District with a couple of boutique stores, artisan galleries, a bakery, deli, juice bar, and post office. Easily spend a couple of hours exploring. Well, and of course, you should visit us at the Caribbean Trading Company Store. As a Crew we all do our gift and souvenir shopping here – from holidays to celebrations to souvenir-buying, you can always find the right gift to give. Check out some of our reviews on Trip Advisor! Conveniently located at the foot of Rt 191 to El Yunque Rainforest so stop by to visit us on your way to El Yunque Rainforest or Luquillo.

2. El Yunque Rainforest

Between the whole crew, we’ve pretty much tried all of the trails. Different trails work for different reasons, there are many things to do in Puerto Rico’s El Yunque. In particular, we highly recommend the trip up Rt 191 – this main entrance has the Visitors Center and several trailheads and some great waterfalls and watchtowers and vistas along the way. Take it to the top and then pick the spots you liked the best on your way up. When it’s raining, don’t swim in the rivers, but if you take a drive up there you’ll see waterfalls along the road you wouldn’t normally see otherwise. South 191 is a little less centrally accessible but has a great new recreation area along the river that is perfect for a picnic and some great trails.

3. Rio Grande’s Beaches

Rio Grande offers a couple of beaches outside of the Resorts.  Of course, the beaches to be found at the Resorts are excellent, particularly St.Regis Bahia Beach and the Wyndham Rio Mar.  But if you are just in the area, then consider a visit to Coco Beach or Las Picuas.  Coco Beach is not a great swimming beach, it is much better for beachcombing and fishing.  The beach is located where to Rio Espiritu Santo meets the ocean so there are beautiful mangroves and plenty of wildlife to observe.  Las Picuas beach is located past the Rio Mar resort and one can park on the street and take one of the beach paths over to the beach.  It is a very calm beach and is ideal also for beachcombing.  It is very popular with the locals, especially during the summer and local holidays.

4.  Golf and Spa at Rio Grande’s Resorts

There are three excellent resorts to be found in Rio Grande and they are wonderful places to stay.  But even if you are not staying at one of the resorts, you very well may want to consider them for your Golf or Spa needs.  The spas are all world-class, but it is the golf courses that really shine.  For example, Robert Trent Jones Jr. designed the Bahia Beach courses, Tom Fazio designed the course at Rio Mar, and Tom Kite designed the four 9-hole courses at Coco Beach in Rio Grande.  And, even the Pros come here to play every year at the PGA Puerto Rican Open at the Trump International Golf Club at Coco Beach.

5. Adventure Activities

Rio Grande is host to several adventure companies that provide adventure activities.  Hacienda Carabali offers horse-back riding, ATV’s, Mountain Biking, Ziplining, and Go Kart racing.  Also, there are several ziplines available of which children are welcome.  Check it out here.

Or you can kayak the Espiritu Santo River with local tour companies. Click here to visit their page.

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May 13^th is Frog Jumping Day!  Well, this day was just made for Puerto Rico as we have an enduring love affair with the Coqui frog.

There are currently 18 known species of the coqui in Puerto Rico.  The Eleutherodactylus coquí, or coquí común, is the most common species of coquí on the island of Puerto Rico. They are considered common because this species can be found throughout the island’s varying ecological zones.

As the sun begins to set on the islands of Puerto Rico, the coquí común emerges from its hiding place and begins his familiar cry: “CO-QUI (KO-KEY).” To some people, the sound is annoying and almost deafening: but to native Puerto Ricans, visitors to the island and scientists know that this is the special sound that tells us the island is alive and well. It is common for Puerto Ricans who live abroad to say that the one thing they miss most about the island is the call of the coquí in the evening.

Similar species have popped up in South and Central America, and were purposely wiped out in Hawaii as pests. But in Puerto Rico, they are considered a national icon and are the superstars of nocturnal noises.  Puerto Rico has been their documented home since the native Taino Indians carved their like on stone engravings 600 years ago.   The Taino Indian Symbol  is repeated today in local artwork, as can be seen here.  One of the island’s proud phrases, “Soy de aqui como el coqui” means “I’m as Puerto Rican as a coqui.”

The coqui can be found among artwork, in books and more.  To get your coqui and to celebrate Frog Jumping Day, here are some items that are sure to fit the bill:

Coqui in My Shoe Children’s Book: 

In this story, a young boy named Armando surprisingly discovers a coquí in his red shoe. Carlito the Coquí is lost and cannot find his way home to the rain forest. Here’s an educational and entertaining lesson, not only on Puerto Rico’s beloved amphibian, the Eleutherodactylus coqui, but also on Puerto Rico’s environment, geography, history and culture.  There are also several appendices with references, other fun facts and a complete list of the 18 known species of coquís.   Perfect for a home or school library. For children ages 5 – 12.

Coqui Fire Hot Sauces

Made on the island of Vieques in Puerto Rico, these hot sauces bring the fire.  Every sauce is made with fresh natural ingredients found here in the Caribbean, and it is approved by the coquis before going into production.

Coqui Coffee Mug

Celebrate the coqui with this fun mug! A perfect pairing with Puerto Rico’s fine coffee and tropical teas!

Coqui Plush Toy with Sound Chip

This 8″ COQUI PLUSH version will hang almost anywhere just like a real coqui. The suction cups are on each foot, and they will not damage any surface. Shows off the Puerto Rican flag for all to see! To hear the song of the coqui, squeeze the belly of the frog.

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Incentive travel is an important component of a company’s incentive and motivation program. The gift of a unique experience has an enduring impression, and remains as one of the top motivators for employees.  Incentive Gifts on the trip are an important way to reinforce and remind the recipient’s of their trip and how they got there.  For those incentive trips where the Beach is an important aspect of your destination, there are many ways to bring the beach into your gifting concepts with class and style.  Here are some incentive gift ideas:

Welcome to the Beach

For that welcome gift on the first night, items that can be used during the trip to increase their comfort are ideal. Consider a beach bag (everyone forgets to pack one) filled with water, snacks, sun lotion, aloe lotion, underwater camera, beach games, or a cap or straw hat.  A lush beach towel is always a good option as well.  Highly underrated, but worthy of being considered: a hammock in a travel bag, mosquito repellant, and can/bottle koozies to keep drinks cool in the sun.  All of these items are incredibly useful and will be used during the attendees’ stay, and particularly during their visits to the beach.  For more ideas, click here.

Beach-Themed Photo Frames

A photo frame is the perfect presentation for your winner’s photos, and is a part of almost every incentive travel program.  But consider scrapping the traditional logo’d photo frame and use one that inspires the beach location.  There are many wonderful frames made with capiz shell, mother of pearl or other shells that create a classy and elegant look.  Click here to see some options.

Beach-themed Serveware

Serveware is great as a gift for an incentive and there are many options that incorporate the beach into the design.  This is an excellent gift options as they can be incorporated into anyone’s kitchen and provide a conversational piece.  Consider gifting a cutting board with a shell cheese spreader along with the local fruit and cheese platter for a take-away gift.  To see some examples of beach serveware, click here.

Beach-Themed Gift Events

A Gift Event is a pre-purchased gift that is presented in a large variety of styles and options to allow your guest to choose the gift that best matches their interests.  There are several gift events that work well for Beach destinations…

The Caribbean Trading Fashion Fiesta allows your guests to hand-pick the sarong, straw hat, or swim trunks of their choice with lessons given on the many fashionable ways to tie a sarong.  We take care of all the details- staffing, gazebos, merchandise, and decoration to ensure a truly terrific event and gift.  It’s a celebration of island fashion!

The Pieces of the Beach Event  is the perfect activity for an event at the beach, kid’s or spousal program or as part of a welcome or beach day activity. A great personalized souvenir for their time here, we will make mementos from the sand on the beach with various found shells and items.

Our Sunrise Yoga classes are also a great option for your guests.  Salute the sun as it rises over the Caribbean Sea. Feel the sand between your toes as you stretch into a perfectly balanced Half Moon Pose on the shores of Puerto Rico. Join our professional yoga instructor for yoga lessons on the beach

Local Artwork

One of the best ways to remind your clientele of their trip is through a local souvenir , artwork, or item that brings the sights, taste, or sound of the destination to mind.  Many local artisans have incorporated a destination’s famous beaches into their artwork, particularly in Prints and ceramics form.  If your group visited a particular beach, this is a great way to bring back the day’s memories.  Click here to see a couple of examples of artist’s work incorporating the beach.

There are so many creative ways to gift keeping the Beach in mind.  If you would like to receive a proposal for your next Beach incentive trip of gift ideas built around the Beach theme, click here to fill out an RFP.

Get listed in a premium <a href=”http://www.hotvsnot.com/”>web site directory</a> for free where you can find more resources about <a href=”http://www.hotvsnot.com/Shopping/Gifts/Gift_Baskets/”>Gift Baskets Directory </a>

As part of our search to bring people new and exciting Caribbean art, every year we attend the famous (or infamous!) San  Sebastian Festival in Old San Juan.  This festival marks the end of the holiday season and isPuerto Rico’s version of Carnaval.  All of the streets are shut down and there is music and art and dancing throughout the streets.  It’s fantastic!  So, this year there were over 600 artisans there and we found many new creative and exciting artisans to work with.

One such artist is Nicolas Damiani – we had seen his work for years and finally we were able to get together and stock  some of his excellent work in our store.  Here’s a look at what he does……

Nicolas Damiani is a master ceramic artist that has worked in Puerto Rico for over 30 years.  He is a professor at UPR in fine arts and is a participant in many national festivals.  He has been recognized by the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture, the Puerto Rican Tourism Company and FOMENTO for his work.  His work seeks to play with textures.  All of his stoneware is dishwasher safe and holds water.

Each of his pieces are entirely unique.  The textures and methods he uses on each piece cause each piece to have a personality of its’ own.  For this reason, we don’t sell his work in our online shop, but if you are on your way to El Yunque Rainforest in Puerto Rico, then definitely stop by the store and check out some of his work.

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

The St. Regis Bahia Beach has been open for just over two years now and it remains one of the brightest new stars in Puerto Rico’s resort portfolio.  In the last couple of months, it was announced that the property had earned AAA’s Five Diamond Rating.  According to the resort, “Since 2011, only five other hotels throughout the Caribbean islands have received the prestigious accolade, and The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort is the only property in Puerto Rico to hold this honor as well. Furthermore, fewer than one-half percent of more than 31,000 properties recognized by AAA throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean are approved by the organization to have obtained this achievement.”   Well, Bahia Beach is right in Caribbean Trading Company’s backyard and their Five Diamond rating comes as no surprise to us.  We have worked with many corporate groups there so we have gotten the chance to see and explore the property a bit.  From the lobby to the suites to the beautiful natural surroundings, the St. Regis Bahia Beach is truly impressive.  Even the plant nursery they have behind-the-scenes is pretty amazing and we could spend hours (maybe days) exploring all of the plants they have growing.

The St. Regis Bahia Beach is a leader in luxury, and here is why:

• Features 139 luxurious guestrooms and suites with spectacular views.
• Remedé Spa and its exclusive skin care line, Laboratoire Remedé, offering a comprehensive menu of customized facial and body services. A convenient Fitness Center complements the Spa for a complete health experience.
• Savor Jean-Georges’ acclaimed cuisine at Fern Restaurant.   Inspired by the flavors of the tropics, classic French cuisine, and Oriental dishes.
• Golf on the ocean-front Robert Trent Jones, Jr. golf course
• Private Beach:  Located on a two-mile stretch of private beach and nestled between the El Yunque National Forest and the tranquil waters of the Espiritu Santo River.  We personally have seen everything from manatees  to all type of Herons and amazing fish.
• Nature Lover’s Sanctuary: Set on 483 pristine acres, the property is the first and only Gold-certified Audubon Signature Sanctuary in Puerto Rico, committed to preserving the resort’s surrounding nature.
• Bespoke Service: St. Regis’ legendary Butler Service
• Amazing On-site Activities:  From fishing to paddle boarding, kayaking, scuba diving and snorkeling, there are so many great activities located on-property that take advantage of the wonderful natural assets the resort has.  There is a huge lake system that allows for freshwater fishing and spin fishing.

So, if you’re planning a vacation to Puerto Rico, how do you know that the St. Regis Bahia Beach is right for you?  Well, if you love bespoke quality customer service, one can’t ask for more than a Five Diamond Rating.  If you are a culinary fan, then a visit to Jean George’s Fern restaurant is a must.  But if you are a birdwatcher, fisherman, or nature lover in general, then this is the resort for you.  Sure you can fish or bird watch in many areas of Puerto Rico, but even before the Resort opened, this area of the Island was already known for its’ rich biodiversity and amazing ecosystem.  It is the merging of Rainforest, Ocean, Mangroves, river, and lakes and you will see a vibrant ecosystem in your stay there.  And, if you are considering coming between February and September, you may also see the sea turtles laying eggs and hatching on the beach of the Resort!   For more information on the resort, you can check out their website here; or you can take a look at their Bespoke Magazine for more in-depth articles about the resort Here

And of course, don’t forget to visit us at the Caribbean Trading Company Store when you visit for all your travel and souvenir/gifting needs!  Click here to get directions on how to get to us (approximately 10 minutes from the Resort).

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May is a great month to visit Puerto Rico!  There are so many things to do in Puerto Rico in May.  May is the beginning of the summer season, where the weather is lovely – the sultry days haven’t hit yet, and it is prime weather for enjoying all that Puerto Rico has to offer.   The kids are getting out of school, Mother’s Day is celebrated and we are celebrating all month long.  Here is what is going on in May:

May 4-5: Arecibo Patron Saint Festival in front of the Arecibo Coliseum.  A festival commemorating the town’s patron saint, San Felipe Apóstol, with music, contests and food.

May 4-5: Handicrafts Fair at thePuerto Rico Convention Center.  Two days of crafts, shows, demonstrations, sales, and more.

May 4-5: Festival del Tejido in Isabela at the Plaza de los Festivales, comunidad Medina.  Exhibits of needlecraft, typical food, drinks and music.

May 5:Puerto Rico Marathon & Half Marathon at the Parque Jaime Benitez in San Juan.  The Puerto Rico Marathon & Half Marathon is the Island’s official full distance marathon event. It’s also a USATF certified course and a Boston Marathon Qualifier. more info

May 14-28:Puerto Rico Restaurant Week.Prix Fixe dinner menus at 30+ restaurants throughout the island.  more info

May 17-19: Condado Culinary Fest. On Ashford Ave. in Condado.  During the month, restaurants along Ashford Ave. in Condado offer different specials and pricing also with promotions for wines and spirits. Live music will be available along the way.

May 17- 19: Festival de Verano Crash Boat at Crash Boat Beach in Aguadilla.  A summer event that will include food kiosks, music and more.

May 19:  11am to 3:30pm. Meet a Puerto Rican Parrot atEl Portal in El Yunque National Forest.  Rangers will have a Puerto Rican Parrot on display.

May 25-27: Festival Cuevas de La Mora in Comerio Rt 172 & Rt 7774.   Activities include a marathon, the Indian Boy/Girl talent shows, dances and various competitions.

May 24-25: Carnaval Esmeralda del Sureste in Patillas on Rt 3, Nestor Vázquez Recreation Center.   Parade, local music, artisans and food kiosks.

May 24-26: Carolina Patron Saint Festival  at Roberto Clemente Municipal Complex in Carolina.  San Fernando de la Carolina is the patron saint. This event features folk & popular music, with the best salsa bands, artisan crafts, traditional games & food kiosks.

May 24- 26: Festival del Güiro Peñolano in Peñuelas at the Plaza Recreo.  Art, culture and handicraft festival featuring the güiro (a musical instrument made with a dried and hollowed out gourd). Includes music, artisans and food kiosks.

May 25: Festival del Pescador in Fajardo at the Malecón de la Playa Puerto Real.  Fishing contests, troubadour contests, music by local groups, food kiosks featuring foods from the sea.

May 25-26 @ 10am to 6pm. Comic Con at thePuerto Rico Convention Center. A two day show with exhibitors and retailers of what we geeks love: Comics, Toys, Anime, Manga, Video games, Strategic and Card games, Movies, etc. This is the biggest comic convention in Puerto Rico, hands down!

May 24- 26: Puerto Rican Country Fair in Hatillo on Rt 2, Francisco Pancho Deida Méndez Coliseum.  A Puerto Rican tradition, this fair is dedicated to the paso fino horse.

Entire month of May:  May continues the Sea Turtle Hatching period.  All along the north coast and in Culebra, sea turtles are coming in to lay their eggs.  The eggs are protected and volunteers babysit them to ensure their safety.  For volunteer opportunities, you can contact the following organizations: Coralations and Conserve

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The Vejigante (Vay-he-GAHN-tay) is a fantastic, colorful character introduced into carnival celebrations in Puerto Rico hundreds of years ago from medieval Spain., and is still an important part of Puerto Rican culture today.  During the carnival celebrations in Loiza, Aldea and Ponce, the Vejigantes roam the streets in groups and chase children with their vejigas (a pouch that traditionally refers to a cow’s bladder).

You don’t have to wait for Carnival to find Vejigantes. They can be found in a variety of events and festivals, but to really get the full experience, there’s nothing quite like the Ponce Carnival and the Fiesta de Santiago Apostól, or Festival of Saint James, held in Loíza each July. These two towns are the unofficial capitals of the Vejigante tradition in Puerto Rico, and where many of the island’s best artisans and mask-makers can be found.

The tradition of carnival dates back to the Middle Ages and is still observed in most of Europe and the Americas. The word itself is said to come from the Latin carne vale (farewell to the flesh) or Fiestas de carnestolenda. These festivities take place approximately three days before Ash Wednesday. For three days and nights people celebrate with boisterous gatherings that feature extravagant costumes and themes before preparing their souls for the coming Lenten fast.

The legend goes that the Vejigante represented the infidel Moors who were defeated in a battle led by Saint James. To honor the saint, the people dressed as demons took to the street in an annual procession. Over time, the Vejigante became a kind of folkloric demon, but in Puerto Rico, it took on a new dimension with the introduction of African and native Taíno cultural influence. The Africans supplied the drum-heavy music of bomba y plena, while the Taíno contributed native elements to the most important part of the Vejigante costume: the mask. As such, the Puerto Rico Vejigante is a cultural expression singular to Puerto Rico. He is a classic example of the blending of African, Spanish, and Caribbean influences in Puerto Rican culture.

Most every souvenir shop in Puerto Rico will have many versions of the Vejigante mask for you to take back home and are my favorite souvenirs from the island.  They represent a tradition that dates back through time and combine the disparate cultures that make up modern-day Puerto Rico.  They’re distinctly Puerto Rican, incredibly creative, and will brighten any room. Virtually every color combination is available, and each one is handmade (the pricier ones come from the workshops of master artisans). The other benefit to shopping for them is that you can find one for any budget. From small mementos that cost just a few dollars to fantastic creations that can run well into the thousands, you’ll find the right mask for you.

For that favorite child in your life, the Vejigante Plush Bear is an excellent gift.  Or for our Corporate Gift buyers, consider the Vejigante Artisan Pin for an advanced teaser mailing or as a table topper.

If you are interested in finding out more about how the masks are actually made, check out this link http://thehelpfulartteacher.blogspot.com/2012/03/how-to-create-and-design-your-own.html  from the Helpful Art Teacher.  The Helpful Art Teacher has been voted number one by readers, The Most Fascinating Art Teacher Blog of 2012!

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A Chocolate Pirate you say?  Aye Matey!  This cocktail recipe is sure to have you swinging from the ropes!  It is chocolatey and smooth offset by the bitterness of the coffee, which successfully hides that you are drinking 151 proof rum.  Feel free to substitute the Bacardi 151 rum for any white rum of your choice.  This is the perfect cocktail for those warm tropical nights!

1 1/2 oz Bacardi® 151 rum
1 oz Kahlua® coffee liqueur
1 oz milk
2 scoops chocolate ice cream

Blend ingredients in a blender until smooth. Serve in a chilled goblet.

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