Puerto Rico San Juan Mission

CULTURAL SUMMARY

San Juan's culture is a vibrant blend of Puerto Rican influences, historical significance, and modern innovation. The city's culinary scene is renowned for its Puerto Rican cuisine, featuring dishes like mofongo, lechón, and pasteles. Music and arts thrive in San Juan, with venues like the Centro de Bellas Artes Luis A. Ferré and the Museum of Art of Puerto Rico hosting performances and exhibits. The city also embraces its rich history with institutions like the Old San Juan. Historically, San Juan has grown from a colonial settlement into a vibrant modern city, retaining its unique charm and cultural richness.

TOPOGRAPHY

The region features a mix of urban landscapes, coastal plains, and mountainous regions, with natural landmarks such as the El Yunque National Forest and the nearby San Juan Bay, offering a blend of natural beauty and urban development.

CLIMATE

The climate is tropical with significant rainfall throughout the year. Summer temperatures average around 85°F, while winter temperatures average around 75°F. The wettest months are typically May to November, with frequent rain showers.

LANGUAGES

The two most common languages spoken are Spanish and English.

RELIGIONS

Major religions in the region include Roman Catholicism, followed by smaller communities of Protestantism and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

INDUSTRIES

Pharmaceuticals: The region has a strong pharmaceutical sector with major employers like Pfizer excelling in pharmaceutical production and research.

Manufacturing: Companies like Bristol-Myers Squibb lead in manufacturing and chemical production.

Agriculture: The area supports a robust agricultural industry with companies excelling in the production of coffee, sugarcane, and tropical fruits.

LOCAL EVENTS

The area hosts events like the San Sebastián Street Festival, celebrating with vibrant parades, music, and traditional dances; the Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián, featuring cultural festivities; and the Puerto Rico Day Parade, showcasing national pride and historical commemorations.

TOURISM

Popular tourist destinations include the Castillo San Felipe del Morro, known for its historical significance; the Old San Juan, offering cultural and historical exhibits; and the Bacardi Distillery, featuring tours and tastings.

RECREATION

Favored activities include hiking, exploring historical sites, and enjoying natural reserves, with major parks like the El Yunque National Forest and the Luis Muñoz Rivera Park being popular destinations.

MISSION HISTORY

Latter-day Saint military servicemen began holding Church meetings in Guajataca in 1947. In January 1964, the first missionaries arrived and the first convert, a serviceman, was baptized in February. The first Puerto Rican joined the Church the following month.

Spanish-speaking missionaries were sent to Puerto Rico, and a Spanish-speaking congregation was organized in 1970. That same year, the first meetinghouse opened and home seminary, a youth religious study program, began in Puerto Rico.

In 1979, membership was 1,900. Church President Spencer W. Kimball visited members in 1981.

By 1987, membership had increased to 12,000. Despite the move of several military Church members from Puerto Rico in 1993, membership had reached 19,700 in the area.

MISSION GROUPS

These groups are a great way to connect with other families who have missionaries in the same area, reconnect with other missionaries you served with in the past or simply learn more about the mission. Robust membership activity can make these groups truly amazing resources!

San Juan Mission/La Mision de San Juan Group

San Juan West Mission 2007-10 Group

Puerto Rico San Juan Mission 1984-87 Group

Puerto Rico San Juan East Mission Group

San Juan Mission Pres. Dyer and Nieves Group

Puerto Rico San Juan Mission Group

San Juan East Mission 2007-10 Group

San Juan LDS Mission 1980-83 Group

Puerto Rico San Juan Mission Facebook Group

San Juan West Mission Group