Virgin Islands–Puerto Rico Friendship Day is observed on the second Monday in October each year in the U.S. Virgin Islands. “Today we celebrate Virgin Islands Puerto Rico Friendship Day,” wrote Rep. Stacey Plaskett (D-VI), “honoring the deep bonds that unite our islands through shared history, vibrant culture, and an enduring commitment to equity and justice. Our communities have long stood together, drawing strength from our rich Caribbean heritage and our collective resilience.”
Virgin Islands–Puerto Rico Friendship Day was established as a holiday by then-Governor Ralph M. Paiewonsky in 1964 to celebrate Caribbean unity and to honor Puerto Rican residents of the USVI who had been influential on their new island home. The celebration includes a multi-day VI/PR Village, parades, and recognition of community leaders. The observance intentionally replaces Columbus Day.
Shared history
The U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico share the same indigenous original inhabitants, the Taino and Carib. The United States bought the U.S. Virgin Islands from Denmark in 1917, the same year Puerto Ricans gained U.S. citizenship. And both sets of islands today are U.S. territories.
They are also just about 50 miles apart, and since residents are U.S. citizens, they can travel freely back and forth from one island to another and can live and work in either place. According to the U.S. Census, 7,759 Puerto Ricans lived in the Virgin Islands in 2020, making them the largest Hispanic group in the U.S. Virgin Islands. On Friendship Day, it’s customary for this community to share traditional Puerto Rican food and music with their neighbors.
Rep. Plaskett
Rep. Plaskett has a long history of supporting not only her constituents in USVI, but also all the U.S. territories. She has introduced and supported legislation to secure voting rights, equitable funding and inclusion in federal benefits, parity in veterans’ benefits, and more.
“Here’s to the continued friendship between the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico,” she concluded her statement for Friendship Day. “May we always celebrate what unites us and work together toward a brighter, more equitable future for all our people.”
