Guayama Pride 2025: Parada Orgullo Brujo
A Detailed Guide to Puerto Rico's Hidden Gem Pride Celebration
Overview
Guayama Pride, officially known as "Parada Orgullo Brujo" (Witch Pride Parade), offers a different flavor of Pride celebration—smaller, more intimate, and distinctly community-focused. Located in the charming southern town of Guayama, this three-day event provides a more relaxed alternative to the larger San Juan celebration.
Key Details:
Dates: June 28-30, 2025
Main Parade: Sunday, June 29, 2025
Location: Guayama, Puerto Rico (southern coast)
Distance from San Juan: 56 miles (90 km) - approximately 1 hour 7 minutes drive
Distance from Miramar: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes drive
Three-Day Schedule
Saturday, June 28, 2025
Opening Night Ceremonies
Time: 7:00 PM
Venue: Licho's Place and El Patio de Licho
Activities: Opening ceremonies with live talent performances
Atmosphere: Welcoming community gathering to kick off the weekend
Sunday, June 29, 2025 - Main Parade Day
Parade Registration and Preparation
Registration: 1:00 PM
Location: Placita del Mercado, Guayama
Parade Start: 5:00 PM
Special Feature: Unique evening parade "taking place almost at nightfall"—described as "a carnival for the whole family"
Evening Celebrations
8:00 PM: Move to Hostos Beer Garden
Features approximately 15 drag queen performances
11:00 PM: Festivities continue at "14 Diez"
Additional 15 drag queen performances to close out the night
Monday, June 30, 2025 - Closing Day
Street Celebration
Time: Starting at 2:00 PM
Venues: Tres Puertas Sport Bar and La Zona Gastrobar
Activities: Street celebration to "enjoy the beauty of Guayama"
Atmosphere: Relaxed, community-focused closing celebration
What Makes Guayama Pride Special
The "Brujo" (Witch) Theme
Guayama Pride embraces a unique "Brujo" (witch) theme, reflecting the town's rich folklore and spiritual traditions. This adds a distinctly Puerto Rican cultural element that sets it apart from other Pride celebrations.
Evening Parade Experience
Unlike most Pride parades that take place in daylight, Guayama's main parade begins at 5:00 PM and continues "almost at nightfall." This creates a magical, festival-like atmosphere with:
Cooler temperatures for participants and spectators
Unique lighting and visual effects as day transitions to night
A more intimate, carnival-like feeling described as "for the whole family"
Community Scale
As a smaller town celebration, Guayama Pride offers:
More personal interactions with performers and organizers
Less crowded, more relaxed atmosphere
Authentic local flavor and hospitality
Easier navigation and parking
Practical Information
Getting There from Miramar/San Juan
Driving Route:
Take PR-52 South toward Ponce
Exit toward Guayama (well-marked exits)
Driving Time: 1 hour 7 minutes (from San Juan proper)
Distance: 56 miles (90 km)
Alternative Transportation:
Público (shared taxi) services available from San Juan
Consider coordinating with other Pride attendees for carpools
Some tour companies may offer Pride weekend packages
Accommodation Options
In Guayama:
Limited hotel options in town—book early
Local guesthouses and small inns
Consider Airbnb or vacation rentals
Nearby Areas:
Salinas (20 minutes) - more hotel options
Ponce (30 minutes) - major city with full hotel amenities
Day trip option: Drive down Saturday morning, return Sunday evening
Local Venues (Based on 2024 Information)
Friday Opening Night:
Licho's Place - Opening ceremonies venue
El Patio de Licho - Companion venue for opening night
Saturday Night:
Hostos Beer Garden - 8:00 PM drag performances
14 Diez - Late night venue (11:00 PM)
Monday Closing:
Tres Puertas Sport Bar - Afternoon celebration
La Zona Gastrobar - Street celebration venue
Note: Specific addresses and contact information may vary year to year. Check local listings or contact event organizers for current details.
Sober-Friendly Aspects
Why Guayama Works for Sober Celebration
Daytime and Early Evening Focus:
Parade at 5:00 PM allows for full participation before late-night party scene
Sunday celebration starts at 2:00 PM - perfect for afternoon participation
Family-Friendly Atmosphere:
Described as "carnival for the whole family"
Community-focused rather than club-focused
Cultural elements (Brujo theme) add depth beyond just party atmosphere
Natural Beauty:
Guayama's coastal location offers beautiful scenery
Smaller town pace allows for mindful appreciation of surroundings
Easy escape to quiet areas when needed
Cultural Context
Guayama as a Town
Historic southern Puerto Rican town
Rich cultural heritage and folklore traditions
Beautiful colonial architecture
Coastal location with access to beaches and natural areas
Known for its friendly, welcoming community
The "Orgullo Brujo" Theme
Celebrates Puerto Rican spiritual and folklore traditions
Embraces the mystical and magical elements of local culture
Adds unique cultural depth to Pride celebration
Reflects the town's historical connection to folk traditions
Planning Tips
For Day Trippers from San Juan/Miramar:
Sunday: Drive down by 3:00 PM to settle in before parade
Best Strategy: Focus on Sunday evening parade and main festivities
Return: Monday evening after closing celebrations
For Weekend Visitors:
Saturday: Arrive for opening ceremonies, experience local hospitality
Sunday: Full parade and evening celebration experience
Monday: Relaxed closing day, explore Guayama town before departure
What to Bring:
Cash for local vendors and establishments
Comfortable walking shoes for parade route
Light jacket for evening (coastal breezes)
Camera for unique evening parade lighting
Open mind for different Pride experience
Contact and Updates
For Current Information:
Check local Puerto Rico LGBTQ+ Facebook groups
Monitor Puerto Rico Pride organizations for updates
Contact Guayama municipal offices for event details
Follow local Guayama businesses on social media for venue updates
Emergency Contacts:
Emergency Services: 911
Local Police: Contact through 911
Hospital: Hospital Regional de Guayama - (787) 864-0025
Why Include Guayama in Your Pride Month
Guayama Pride offers something San Juan's larger celebration cannot: intimate community connection, unique cultural theming, and the charm of small-town Puerto Rican hospitality. For those seeking a more contemplative, culturally rich Pride experience, the "Parada Orgullo Brujo" provides a perfect complement to the metropolitan energy of San Juan Pride.
The evening parade timing, family-friendly atmosphere, and manageable scale make it particularly suitable for sober participants who want meaningful community connection without overwhelming sensory input.
¡Orgullo Brujo te espera en Guayama!