Puerto Rico Constitution Day

Puerto Rico Constitution Day

July 25

Puerto Rico Constitution Day is the anniversary of the day on which Puerto Rico changed from a territory to a commonwealth and adopted its new constitution in 1952. Sometimes referred to as Commonwealth Day, July 25 is a legal holiday throughout the island. It is celebrated with parades, speeches, fireworks, and parties.
The most interesting thing about the relationship between Puerto Rico and the United States is its voluntary nature. Under the commonwealth arrangement, islanders elect a governor and a legislature as well as a resident commissioner who is sent—with a voice but not a vote—to the U.S. Congress in Washington, D.C. The relationship remains permanent for as along as both parties agree to it, but it can be changed at any time by mutual consent. The reason Puerto Rico became a commonwealth rather than an independent republic or a state is that the election of 1948 failed to produce a majority vote in favor of either of these alternatives.

CONTACTS:
Puerto Rico Tourism Company
666 Fifth Ave., 15th Fl.
New York, NY 10103
800-866-7827 or 212-586-6262; fax: 212-586-1212
www.gotopuertorico.com

SOURCES:
AmerBkDays-2000, p. 543
AnnivHol-2000, p. 123

Celebration day: Jul 25