Traditions and customs in San Juan

1. Bomba y plena

Afro-Puerto Rican drum traditions, with bomba a dialogue between dancer and drummer.

2. Vejigante masks

Horned papier-mâché carnival masks from Ponce and Loíza.

3. Christmas parrandas

Roving house-to-house carolling from November into January — the longest Christmas anywhere.

• Best time: December to mid-January

4. Domino tables

Set up in plazas and on porches, played fast and competitively.

5. Salsa

The island is one of the form's homes, and the old-city clubs still run live bands.