If you’re anywhere near Old San Juan right now, you can probably hear the music from three miles away. It is Sunday, January 18, 2026, and Puerto Rico is currently a wild mix of massive street parties and heavy political drama.
Honestly, it’s a lot to process.
On one hand, you have the Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián hitting its fever pitch. It’s the final day. On the other, the island is buzzing over the news that President Trump has officially pardoned former Governor Wanda Vázquez Garced.
If you’ve been following the campaign finance case that’s been dragging on for years, this is a massive pivot. Let's break down what’s actually happening on the ground and what it means for the week ahead.
The SanSe 2026 Finale: What’s Happening in Old San Juan
Today is the "cierre"—the grand finale of the SanSe festival. This isn't just a party; it’s basically the cultural heartbeat of the island for four straight days. If you haven't been, imagine hundreds of thousands of people packed into the narrow blue-cobblestone streets of Old San Juan.
The lineup for today is pretty stacked. We’re talking about Tommy Torres, Ednita Nazario, and the duo Jowell & Randy taking the stage at Plaza del Quinto Centenario.
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Traffic? It’s a nightmare. Basically, if you aren't already in the city, you're better off taking the ferry from Cataño or the urban train to Sagrado Corazón and hopping a bus. The Coast Guard is even patrolling the harbor today specifically to catch illegal "water taxis" trying to capitalize on the chaos.
- Public Safety: There's a full-scale field hospital set up in the city. Doctors there have been treating everything from heat exhaustion to "too much Medalla" since Thursday.
- The Artisans: Over 350 local artisans are lining the streets. This is the big day for them to clear out their inventory before the "longest Christmas in the world" officially ends tonight.
The Wanda Vázquez Pardon: Why It’s Shaking Up PR Politics
While the music is blasting in San Juan, the political world is reeling from the news today in Puerto Rico regarding the White House. President Trump has granted a full pardon to former Governor Wanda Vázquez.
She had pleaded guilty last August to campaign finance violations. The case was messy—it involved a Venezuelan-Italian banker, Julio Martin Herrera Velutini, and a former FBI agent. Federal prosecutors were actually pushing for a year of prison time for her, with sentencing scheduled for later this month.
Now? That’s all gone.
The White House is calling the prosecution "politically motivated," citing the fact that the investigation started right after she endorsed Trump in 2020. This pardon isn't just about her, though. Her co-defendants, including Herrera Velutini, were also cleared. Critics are already pointing to the millions in donations made by the banker’s family to pro-Trump PACs, though the administration denies any "quid pro quo."
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Militarization and Protests at the National Guard Base
It’s not all parties and pardons. There was a significant protest at the U.S. Air National Guard Base in Carolina yesterday that’s still the talk of the town today.
A group called "Madres contra la Guerra" (Mothers Against War) basically paralyzed the base for several hours. They’re protesting what they call the "militarization" of Puerto Rico. This comes after reports of U.S. fighter jets concentrating on the island due to rising tensions with Venezuela and the capture of deposed leader Nicolas Maduro on U.S. soil earlier this month.
You’ve probably seen the stealth planes if you live near Aguadilla. It’s a strange vibe—seeing heavy military equipment at the airport while people a few miles away are dancing to plena.
Shipping Costs and Your Wallet
Here’s something that won't make the front page but will definitely affect your grocery bill. Tropical Shipping officially hiked its "bunker surcharge" today, January 18.
Everything from 20-foot dry containers to refrigerated units is getting more expensive to move between the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Specifically, dry containers are up by about $13, and reefers are up by $20. It sounds small, but when you consider that Puerto Rico imports over 80% of its food, those surcharges usually trickle down to the price of milk and eggs within a few weeks.
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Weather and the "El Niño" Warning
The weather today is actually pretty decent—typical dry season trade winds. But meteorologists like Jesse Daley are sounding the alarm about a transition to El Niño later this year.
What does that mean for you?
Usually, El Niño brings more wind shear, which is good because it can literally "rip apart" hurricanes before they reach the Caribbean. However, it also means we might be heading into a moderate drought. The U.S. Drought Monitor is already showing "abnormally dry" conditions in some parts of the island, and the water levels in St. Thomas (our neighbors to the east) are already dropping.
What You Should Do Next
If you are currently on the island or planning to be here this week, here is the "expert" advice for navigating the next 48 hours:
- Avoid driving to San Juan today: Seriously. The stages close at 11:00 PM, and the kiosks shut down at midnight. If you aren't already there, the traffic will consume your entire night.
- Monitor the ferry schedule: If you’re at the SanSe, the ferry back to Cataño is your best bet, but expect lines that wrap around the block. Buy your tickets online at the official ferry site to save at least a little bit of time.
- Watch the local news for "La Wanda" fallout: The pardon is going to trigger some intense debates in the Puerto Rican legislature this week. Expect some protests or "cacerolazos" (pot-banging protests) if people feel the justice system isn't being fair.
- Stock up on water: Since we’re officially entering the dry season and a potential El Niño, it’s a good time to check your cistern or just have some extra gallons on hand.
The festival might end tonight, but with the political situation and the military presence in the Caribbean, it feels like the drama is just getting started for 2026.
Next Steps for Readers: You can check the real-time traffic updates via the DTOP (Department of Transportation) social media feeds before heading out. If you're looking for the full musical schedule for the final hours of SanSe, the Discover Puerto Rico website has the breakdown for each plaza.