Xmas in July 2026 returns this year with Puerto Rican singer Pedro Capó (born Pedro Francisco Rodríguez Sosa) as its headline act. Photo: Provided

Xmas in July offers the destination’s visitors a unique experience in a festive summer setting filled with music and surprises. Photo: Provided

The pioneering nautical event and the largest in the Virgin Islands (VI), Xmas in July, will take place on Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM at Pond Bay Beach in Virgin Gorda. Photo: Provided

Xmas in July is brought once again by Wally Castro Marine, the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board and Film Commission and Marcos Rivera. Photo: BVITB/File

Xmas in July is brought once again by Wally Castro Marine, the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board and Film Commission and Marcos Rivera. Photo: BVITB/File

Xmas in July is brought once again by Wally Castro Marine, the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board and Film Commission and Marcos Rivera.

Bonds of friendship   

“Beyond the fun and its significance as an end-of-summer event, Xmas in July 2026 has already become a tradition that strengthens the bonds of friendship between the BVI and Puerto Rico,” said Wally Castro, owner of Wally Castro Marine and the event’s organiser, in a press release.

“The event already has a strong fan base that grows every year to enjoy the music, live entertainment, and the camaraderie that it offers. It also makes a great contribution to the nautical industry’s economy in Puerto Rico and the BVI.”

Final Faze, La Vecina & Maeso y su Orquesta

In addition to Capó, the musical entertainment lineup includes Tortola’s Final Faze, which is already considered a fan favourite at the event, plus Puerto Rican bands La Vecina and Maeso y su Orquesta. Ronny Campos, one of Magic 97.3 FM’s best-known disk jockeys will be the host, along with influencer Marena Sofía.

As in previous years, guests will be able to buy the event’s official tumbler to enjoy drinks at the Xmas in July Beach Open Bar. The tumbler is already available on the event’s webpage, www.xmasinjulyparty.com. It will also be available for purchase at the event.

Beyond the Reef to benefit again

Once again, Xmas in July 2026 organisers will donate 15% of the proceeds from the tumblers’ sales to Beyond the Reef, a nonprofit organisation in the Virgin Islands that focuses on marine environmental education and preservation efforts. Members of the organization will be at the activity to help with the sale of merchandise to benefit the entity and to raise awareness among attendees about the importance of marine environment conservation.

“It’s time to welcome the Puerto Rican Navy once again, and in the BVI we are ready. We have lots of properties that have updated their offerings, in addition to our beaches, food, culture, music and entertainment that defines us so well,” said Clive L. McCoy, Director of Tourism in the Virgin Islands.

“This event also highlights the BVI as the sailing capital of the world and offers a safe environment to have fun. In addition to enjoying the party, we want attendees to return to our territory and give themselves the opportunity to explore the islands at their own pace,” McCoy added.

Xmas in July offers the destination’s visitors a unique experience in a festive summer setting filled with music and surprises. The activity not only attracts visitors who sail from Puerto Rico in their boats, but also those who decide to fly to the VI, stay at one of the many hostelries that the territory offers, and use the ferries to get to Pond Bay. Many others charter their own vessels to navigate through the destination. Xmas in July also creates a local impact by helping nonprofit organisations and environmental protection through diverse initiatives that take place during the event.

Sponsors

In addition to Wally Castro Marine, the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board and Marcos Rivera, Xmas in July 2026 sponsors include 1800 Tequila, Nova Derm, Heineken, Magic 97.3 FM, Tito's Handmade Vodka, Beyond the Reef, bmedia, Boston Whaler, Riviera, Target, Popular Auto, Smith, Jack Daniel's, Smirnoff Ice, YAC, Music Wave, White Claw Hard Seltzer, PowerSolar, Ponce Health Sciences University, PRFoam by Design, La Casita de Marquitos, Costazul, Ford Fajardo, Azul Marine Lending, Marine Division by Kitchens & More, The Moorings, Bitter End Yacht Club, Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour, Winnie's Steakhouse, Pizza on the Pier, Peter Island Resort and Rosewood Little Dix Bay. The event also features collaborations from Salt Vice, No Me Jodan Club, and Nyammin'.

Travellers who need assistance with entry, immigration or customs matters or information on airlines to travel to the event, can contact the British Virgin Islands Tourism Board’s Puerto Rico office at (787) 721-2525 or send an e-mail to bvi@prlinksco.com. They can also follow the BVI Tourist Board on social media as Islas Vírgenes Británicas on Facebook and BVITurismo on Instagram.