MECA International Art Fair Takes Place June 1-4, 2017

The MECA International Art Fair will take place in San Juan, PR from June 1st to the 4th. For more information, visit www.mecaartfair.com/.

Puerto Rico News Digest For July 8, 2016

ICE SEIZES COUNTERFEIT GOODS IN OSJ

From ICE:

"Special agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE)
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) seized $6.5 million in counterfeit
merchandise Wednesday in Old San Juan with assistance from U.S. Customs
and Border Protection (CBP) and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service...During
the operation, HSI special agents and partner law enforcement officers target-
ed 14 retailers of counterfeit goods infringing on the trademarks of Gucci, Mi-
chael Kors, Prada, Channel, Ray Ban, Coach, Dolce & Gabbana, Oakley, Nike,
Ray Ban and the National Basketball Association. They also executed five sear-
ch warrants. The total manufacturer's suggested retail value (MSRP) of the sei-
zed goods is approximately $6.5 million. First time offenders of violating intell-
ectual property laws were served with a notification of a violation of law. In the
case of reoffenders, HSI will present their cases for prosecution..."

SCIENTISTS OPPOSE LA PARGUERA BILL

From The San Juan Daily Star:

"Opposition to Senate Bill 1621, which would permit the permanence of summer 

houses illegally constructed on public land on the La Parguera shorefront in Lajas, 

is growing as more than 50 experts in oceanography, ecology, geology, planning 

and other disciplines related to natural and environmental science signed a letter 

directed to Gov. Alejandro García Padilla asking him to veto the bill that was pas-

sed by the Puerto Rico Legislature last week..."

MELBA ACOSTA RESIGNS AS GDB PRESIDENT

From Caribbean Business:

"On Thursday, La Fortaleza announced the resignation of Government Develop-

ment Bank (GDB) President & Chairwoman Melba Acosta, effective July 31. In 

her resignation letter dated July 6, she says it is time to refocus her professional 

career, after 12 years of public service, three of which took place under the Alej-

andro García Padilla administration...With Acosta’s exit, the GDB would have 

four of its seven director posts vacant. Although it didn’t publicly announce it,

La Fortaleza filled on May 17 two vacancies with the appointment of Rafael Vé-

lez Pérez and Carlos Bonilla Agosto..."

PRASA TO START SEEKING EXTERNAL FINANCING

From News Is My Business:

"Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority Executive Director Alberto Lázaro 

confirmed Thursday the agency is waiting for the governor to sign the law that 

will allow it to pursue external financing to begin talking to creditors next month. 

Once the PRASA Revitalization Act is signed, the public corporation will have 

the leverage it needs to approach potential creditors for some $900 million in new 

funding to cover infrastructure improvements, payments due to contractors and 

other expenses, Lázaro said, during the monthly luncheon sponsored by the Ass-

ociated General Contractors..."

Things to do in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

by Bill Alvarez

Paseo de la Princesa

Source: Wikimedia Commons

What is now known as Old San Juan is now only a small portion of the city of San Juan, but was once a town in its own right. Founded in 1509, after the original “capital” of Caparra (founded by Ponce de Leon in what is now Guaynabo) was abandoned, the area was first known as ‘Puerto Rico”, until it was rechristened as “San Juan Bautista” in 1521. Old San Juan is about seven square blocks in size, and you can see most of it by foot, although this can be made difficult by the steep hills and the heat. OSJ is in reality an island itself, and rises from the area by the cruise ship piers and the Paseo de la Princesa up towards Calle San Sebastian and El Morro castle. An ancient city wall surrounds it, and its narrow cobblestone streets and Spanish colonial architecture give it a unique, charming look.

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Castles

Old San Juan boasts two major Spanish colonial forts: San Felipe del Morro, or just “El Morro” (built in the 16^th century) and San Cristobal (built in the 18^th century). Both are managed by the United States Park Service. El Morro has numerous rooms, staircases, guard posts (known locally as “garitas”) and a lighthouse. Admission to El Morro is $3.00 per adult (or you can pay $5 to visit both El Morro and San Cristobal). Children 15 and under get in for free. San Cristobal is smaller, and located along the northern edge of the old city, east of El Morro. Entrance fees are the same for both fortifications, and guided tours are available for both. El Morro has a huge, green lawn in front of the fort, which is a great place to walk, picnic or fly a kite. More information here:http://www.nps.gov/saju/index.htm

Museums

Old San Juan has various museums to meet different tastes (and most of them are air conditioned, which I’m sure you will appreciate). Several museums are located at Cuartel Ballaja, a former Spanish military headquarters, which has been turned into a cultural center. It is located across the street from the El Morro grounds. For example, Ballaja hosts the Museum of Coffee, Tobacco and Rum as well as theCasa del Libro (‘House of the Book’) on its first level. Both of these museums are free of charge. On Cuartel Ballaja’s second floor, you can find the Museum of the Americas (http://www.museolasamericas.org/), which deals mostly with the history and culture of the Americas (“from Alaska to Patagonia”). Admission to this museum is $3 each for adults and $2 for children and seniors.

Inside the Convento de los Dominicos at San Jose Plaza (uphill, on the way to El Morro), you can find the excellent Galeria Nacional, which highlights visual art (mostly paintings) from Puerto Rican artists from the 18^th century onwards. The museum is divided into three separate rooms. No photography is allowed. Admission as of summer 2013 was $2 per adult.

You can also visit the Museo de San Juan, which showcases the city’s history, on 150 Norzagaray Street, not far from the Galeria Nacional. It is roughly located between El Morro and San Cristobal castles, facing the ocean. Admission is free.

Pigeon Park

As the name suggests, this is a small park inhabited by hundreds of pigeons, many of whom live in square holes along an ancient wall on the south side of the park. You can usually buy some corn or other type of feed from someone at the park for a dollar a bag which you can use to feed the birds. But watch out! These pigeons are not shy about not just going up to you to get their grub on, but they will get ON you as well. It’s a lot of fun to feed them, but I would recommend bringing a hat, some hand sanitizer and napkins. Maybe a spare shirt, too. The park is located at the very bottom of Calle del Cristo (next to the “Capilla del Cristo” or “Christ’s Chapel”) and admission is free.

Other Stuff

A free trolley which covers the great majority of Old San Juan is available. Stops are scattered throughout the old city. The Puerto Rico Governor’s mansion, La Fortaleza, is conveniently located on the street of the same name. Walk along thePaseo de la Princesa (located at the bottom of OSJ) and take a look at the ancient wall surrounding the city, right in front of the ocean. Very romantic.

Old San Juan has several bars for those wanting either a cold drink during a day of walking or a fun spot to hang out after dark. My favorite ones are El Batey on Calle del Cristo and Nono’s. As far as restaurants go, there are too many to list, but I personally recommend Mojito’s and Dragonfly.

San Juan, Puerto Rico Facts
Time Zone	Atlantic (UTC -4)
Area Code	787, 939
Population	395,326
Languages	Spanish (main), English
Founded	1509

More information

Want more information about visiting Puerto Rico? Check out The Real Deal Guide to Puerto Rico, available for the Amazon Kindle.

The Real Deal Guide To Puerto Rico

 Buy Now

2016 San Sebastián Festival Schedule

Below is a schedule of musical and cultural performances at
the annual Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián, which starts this
Thursday afternoon. All events to take  place in Old San Juan,
all times Atlantic.


Thursday, January 14

Plaza Quinto Centenario (next to Cuartel de Ballajá)
5:00 p.m. - Comparsa de Cabezudos
7:30 p.m. - Pleneros con Caché
9:30 p.m. - Sonora Ponceña

Plaza de Armas (in front of City Hall)
5:00 p.m. - DJ Scarface
7:00 p.m. - DJ James
9:00 p.m. - DJ Xtasy

Plaza de la Barandilla (Calle San Francisco)
5:00 p.m. - Yubaré
6:30 p.m. - Tambores Calientes
8:00 p.m. - Orquesta Macabeo
9:30 p.m. - Tommy Torres

Plaza Colón (in front of Tapia Theater)
5:00 p.m. - Antonio Cabán Vale “El Topo”
6:45 p.m. - Jenny Roca
7:45 p.m. - Pedro Capó
9:30 p.m. - Jerry Medina


Friday, January 15

Plaza del Quinto Centenario
5:30 p.m. - Limi-T 21
7:30 p.m. - Tego Calderón
9:30 p.m. - Richie Ray & Bobby Cruz

Plaza de Armas
5:30 p.m. - PJ Porrata
8:00 p.m. - Los Bronson
9:00 p.m. - DJ King Arthur
10:00 p.m. - Black Guayaba

Plaza de la Barandilla
5:00 p.m. - Fusión Jonda
6:30 p.m. - Tribu de Abrante
8:00 p.m. - Ivette Cepeda
9:30 p.m. - Yolandita Monge

Plaza Colón
5:30 p.m. - Misa E’ Gallo
7:30 p.m. - Ana Isabelle
9:30 p.m. - La Mulense


Saturday, January 16

Plaza del Quinto Centenario
2:00 p.m. - Pleneros de la Cresta
3:30 p.m. - Viento de Agua
5:30 p.m. - Plena Libre
7:30 p.m. - Andy Montañez
9:30 p.m. - La India

Plaza del Armas
2:00 p.m. - Guaraison
2:30 p.m. - Areyto Ballet Folklórico
5:00 p.m. - DJ Ivan Robles
7:30 p.m. - DJ Metro
10:00 p.m. - Gomba Jahbari

Plaza de la Barandilla
2:30 p.m. - Grupo Guamanique
4:30 p.m. - Boricubasón
6:30 p.m. - Plenéalo
8:30 p.m. - Lissette y Chucho

Plaza Colón
2:00 p.m. - Susa & Epifanio
4:00 p.m. - Barreto y su Plena
6:00 p.m. - Caribe Gitano
7:30 p.m. - Melina León
9:30 p.m. - Oscarito


Sunday, January 17

Plaza del Quinto Centenario
2:30 p.m. - Ricky Villanueva y su Conjunto Típico
4:30 p.m. - Victoria Sanabria
6:30 p.m. - Pirulo
8:30 p.m. - Olga Tañón

Plaza de Armas
2:00 p.m. - Decimanía
3:30 p.m. - 6 Ballare
5:00 p.m. - Emil Cedeño
7:30 p.m. - Lisa M.
10:00 p.m. - La Secta

Plaza de la Barandilla
2:00 p.m. - Agua, Sol y Sereno
3:30 p.m. - Tuna de Cayey
5:30 p.m. - Kiani Medina
7:00 p.m. - Albita y SJ Habana
9:00 p.m. - Lucecita Benítez

Plaza Colón
2:00 p.m. - Gira Criolla
3:30 p.m. - Rondalla de Humacao
5:00 p.m. - Zoraida Santiago
6:30 p.m. - Plena de Severo
8:00 p.m. - Kanny García
9:30 p.m. - Vico C

Things to do in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

by Bill Alvarez

Paseo de la Princesa

Source: Wikimedia Commons

What is now known as Old San Juan is now only a small portion of the city of San Juan, but was once a town in its own right. Founded in 1509, after the original “capital” of Caparra (founded by Ponce de Leon in what is now Guaynabo) was abandoned, the area was first known as ‘Puerto Rico”, until it was rechristened as “San Juan Bautista” in 1521. Old San Juan is about seven square blocks in size, and you can see most of it by foot, although this can be made difficult by the steep hills and the heat. OSJ is in reality an island itself, and rises from the area by the cruise ship piers and the Paseo de la Princesa up towards Calle San Sebastian and El Morro castle. An ancient city wall surrounds it, and its narrow cobblestone streets and Spanish colonial architecture give it a unique, charming look.

Map data ©2015 Google

Terms of Use

Report a map error

Map

Satellite

Castles

Old San Juan boasts two major Spanish colonial forts: San Felipe del Morro, or just “El Morro” (built in the 16^th century) and San Cristobal (built in the 18^th century). Both are managed by the United States Park Service. El Morro has numerous rooms, staircases, guard posts (known locally as “garitas”) and a lighthouse. Admission to El Morro is $3.00 per adult (or you can pay $5 to visit both El Morro and San Cristobal). Children 15 and under get in for free. San Cristobal is smaller, and located along the northern edge of the old city, east of El Morro. Entrance fees are the same for both fortifications, and guided tours are available for both. El Morro has a huge, green lawn in front of the fort, which is a great place to walk, picnic or fly a kite. More information here:http://www.nps.gov/saju/index.htm

Museums

Old San Juan has various museums to meet different tastes (and most of them are air conditioned, which I’m sure you will appreciate). Several museums are located at Cuartel Ballaja, a former Spanish military headquarters, which has been turned into a cultural center. It is located across the street from the El Morro grounds. For example, Ballaja hosts the Museum of Coffee, Tobacco and Rum as well as theCasa del Libro (‘House of the Book’) on its first level. Both of these museums are free of charge. On Cuartel Ballaja’s second floor, you can find the Museum of the Americas (http://www.museolasamericas.org/), which deals mostly with the history and culture of the Americas (“from Alaska to Patagonia”). Admission to this museum is $3 each for adults and $2 for children and seniors.

Inside the Convento de los Dominicos at San Jose Plaza (uphill, on the way to El Morro), you can find the excellent Galeria Nacional, which highlights visual art (mostly paintings) from Puerto Rican artists from the 18^th century onwards. The museum is divided into three separate rooms. No photography is allowed. Admission as of summer 2013 was $2 per adult.

You can also visit the Museo de San Juan, which showcases the city’s history, on 150 Norzagaray Street, not far from the Galeria Nacional. It is roughly located between El Morro and San Cristobal castles, facing the ocean. Admission is free.

Pigeon Park

As the name suggests, this is a small park inhabited by hundreds of pigeons, many of whom live in square holes along an ancient wall on the south side of the park. You can usually buy some corn or other type of feed from someone at the park for a dollar a bag which you can use to feed the birds. But watch out! These pigeons are not shy about not just going up to you to get their grub on, but they will get ON you as well. It’s a lot of fun to feed them, but I would recommend bringing a hat, some hand sanitizer and napkins. Maybe a spare shirt, too. The park is located at the very bottom of Calle del Cristo (next to the “Capilla del Cristo” or “Christ’s Chapel”) and admission is free.

Other Stuff

A free trolley which covers the great majority of Old San Juan is available. Stops are scattered throughout the old city. The Puerto Rico Governor’s mansion, La Fortaleza, is conveniently located on the street of the same name. Walk along thePaseo de la Princesa (located at the bottom of OSJ) and take a look at the ancient wall surrounding the city, right in front of the ocean. Very romantic.

If you want to gamble, casino gambling in licensed establishments is legal (more on that in the Casino section). Old San Juan has one main casino, the one at the Sheraton Old San Juan Hotel at 100 Brumbaugh Street (downhill, across the street from the cruise ship piers). Their website can be found here:http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1497

Old San Juan has several bars for those wanting either a cold drink during a day of walking or a fun spot to hang out after dark. My favorite ones are El Batey on Calle del Cristo and Nono’s. As far as restaurants go, there are too many to list, but I personally recommend Mojito’s and Dragonfly.

San Juan, Puerto Rico Facts
Time Zone	Atlantic (UTC -4)
Area Code	787, 939
Population	395,326
Languages	Spanish (main), English
Founded	1509

More information

Want more information about visiting Puerto Rico? Check out The Real Deal Guide to Puerto Rico, available for the Amazon Kindle.

The Real Deal Guide To Puerto Rico

 Buy Now

 

Puerto Rico News Digest For September 25, 2015

20,000 TAX REFUNDS PUT OFF UNTIL 2016

From The San Juan Daily Star:

Treasury Secretary Juan Zaragoza acknowledged Wednesday that up to
20,000 island taxpayers may not receive their tax refunds by the end of
the calendar year due to the agency’s lack of liquidity and the need to
comply with “other commitments,” including paying public workers. In
a radio interview, the Treasury chief said it is highly unlikely that the a-
gency will be able to complete the deposit and dispatch of refunds befo-
re November. “I don’t think they will be all out by November. They mi-
ght be all sent out by December, but we could be crossing the line and
extending this past the calendar year,” Zaragoza said...[MORE]

1-1/2 POUND BABY BORN ON CRUISE SHIP

From Caribbean Business:

A Utah woman who unexpectedly gave birth on a cruise ship months before
her due date says she wrapped towels around the 1 1/2-pound boy with the
help of medical staff in a desperate effort to keep him alive until the ship
reached port. Emily Morgan, of Ogden, said Thursday that doctors didn't
expect her son Haiden to live, but thanks to strong lungs, a makeshift incu-
bator and an early arrival in Puerto Rico, the baby made it. He's now recei-
ving care at a neonatal intensive care unit in Miami...[MORE]

SHERATON OLD SAN JUAN CHANGES HANDS

From News Is My Business:

The 240-room Sheraton Old San Juan Hotel & Casino will be changing own-
ers as part of an agreement that transfers the property to an affiliate of Tish-
man Hotel Corp., hotel officials announced Thursday. The financial terms of
the agreement were not disclosed. The details of a planned renovation of the
property will be disclosed in coming months. However, as part of the transac-
tion, the new owners — which intend to continue the asset’s affiliation with
the Sheraton flag — will restructure the property, closing the casino to make
way for retail space. Some 95 employees will  be affected by the overhaul...

PR WORKING GROUP SEEKS SINGLE DEAL

From Reuters:

A Puerto Rico working group, composed of local and senior officials, anno-
unced on Thursday that it would seek a consensual negotiation that would
ultimately result in a single, comprehensive exchange transaction. The gr-
oup met with Governor Alejandro Garcia Padilla and members of the Puer-
to Rico legislature to discuss its ongoing efforts to support fiscal stability
and economic growth in Puerto Rico. It said it wanted to avoid a piecemeal
strategy that could result in uncoordinated and inconsistent agreements with
creditors...[MORE]

WOULD-BE HUSBAND KILLER EXTRADITED TO PR

From Star Tribune:

A Puerto Rican woman accused of hiring a hit man to kill her wealthy Cana-
dian husband was extradited to the U.S. territory Thursday after a lengthy in-
ternational manhunt. Aurea Vazquez Rijos arrived with her month-old baby
and was escorted by FBI agents just hours before she appeared in court. She
flew in from Spain, where a court ordered her extradition nearly two years
ago on the condition she doesn't receive the death penalty or life imprison-
ment without parole if convicted...[MORE]