Hundreds from nearby Puerto Rico expected to flock BVI's annual Xmas in July

Hundreds from nearby Puerto Rico are expected to sail to the British Virgin Islands for BVI’s annual Xmas in July, set for Saturday at Pond Bay Beach in Virgin Gorda. The daylong event runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., aiming to strengthen ties between the BVI and Puerto Rico. It is organized again by Wally Castro Marine, the BVI Tourist Board, and Marcos Rivera, with welcome remarks from BVI Tourism Director Clive McCoy, who said the destination is ready to host the “Puerto Rican Navy” arriving by sea. The program includes hosted entertainment by Ronny Campos and influencer Marena Sofía, plus Puerto Rican singer Pedro Capó and local acts including Final Faze, La Vecina and Maeso y su Orquesta. Organizers also say the event supports nonprofit and environmental initiatives and that it will boost the nautical industry locally.