Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands - A headline performance by Puerto Rican singer Pedro Capó helped draw record crowds to the 14th annual Xmas in July, as more than 7,000 patrons and 560 boats converged on Pond Bay, Virgin Gorda, for the British Virgin Islands' signature marine summer celebration.
Presented by Wally Castro Marine and the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board & Film Commission (BVITBFC), the event also introduced a new initiative of official stops across the Territory, encouraging visitors to extend their stay and explore more of the destination before and after the celebration.
Addressing attendees, Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley, highlighted the event's significance to the Virgin Islands economy and its enduring ties with Puerto Rico.
"Xmas in July has become one of the most important dates on our summer calendar. This event brings millions of dollars into the Territory, and that money reaches our people directly: our marinas, our restaurants, our taxi and ferry operators, our shops and our local businesses across Virgin Gorda and throughout the Virgin Islands. It is also a celebration of the friendship between the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, which remains one of our strongest bonds in the region."
Beyond its tourism and economic benefits, Xmas in July continues to support community and environmental initiatives through partnerships with local nonprofit organizations and sustainability programmes.
Event founder and organizer Wally Castro welcomed the strong turnout and reflected on the event's continued growth.
"We are very happy with the response that attendees have given us this year. Xmas in July has been held on the islands for years now and is the pioneer end-of-summer event in the Caribbean.
Besides music, beach and entertainment, our event has a positive impact on the economy, environment and the nautical industry both in the islands and in Puerto Rico."The event's impact extends well beyond the festivities at Pond Bay, with many visitors arriving days in advance or remaining in the Territory afterwards. Hundreds of vessels travelled from Puerto Rico, while additional guests arrived by commercial airlines, private charters and locally based yacht charter companies. Throughout their stay, visitors supported marinas, accommodations, restaurants, supermarkets, retail businesses, and land and water transportation providers across the Territory.
For the first time, Xmas in July opened with a showcase of emerging local talent. Tortola-based youth band Unique Fuzions Odyssey (UFO), whose members range in age from 16 to 20, opened the programme, followed by Tortola favourites Final Faze and Puerto Rico's Maeso y su Orquesta.
Pedro Capó headlined the afternoon performances, with La Vecina and DJ Opio keeping the celebration going throughout the day. Ronny Campos of Magic 97.3 FM hosted the event alongside influencer Marena Sofía.
The newly introduced Official Stops programme invited visitors to experience the destination beyond the main event. Participating restaurants, hotels, resorts and marinas hosted themed Christmas experiences while offering special menus, rates and promotions. Guests collected commemorative stickers at each location and participated in a social media contest for a chance to win a return trip to the British Virgin Islands in 2027.
Participating Official Stops included Pusser's West End, Hendo's Hideout, Omar's Coffee House, Lobster Trap, Loose Mongoose, Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina, Willy T, Leverick Bay Resort & Marina, Biras Creek Resort, Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour, Top of the Baths, Oil Nut Bay, Bitter End Yacht Club and Saba Rock Resort.
Xmas in July also continued its commitment to environmental stewardship by maintaining its ban on single-use plastics and promoting the sale of official reusable tumblers. A portion of the proceeds from tumbler sales will be donated to Beyond the Reef, a British Virgin Islands nonprofit organization dedicated to marine environmental education and conservation.
Attendees also enjoyed food prepared by St. Ursula's Catholic Church, Valley Sound Lions Club, Pizza on the Pier and Winnie's Steakhouse, while VI Ink provided tattoo services throughout the event.
In addition to Wally Castro Marine and the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board & Film Commission, sponsors of Xmas in July 2026 included Magic 97.3 FM, 1800 Tequila, Nova Derm, Heineken, Bmedia, Benítez Aviation, Tito's Handmade Vodka, Ron Capó Aged Rum, PAMA, Jack Daniel's, Bohlke Aviation, Boston Whaler, Riviera, Smith, Costazul, Target, White Claw
Hard Seltzer, Ewa, Ponce Health Sciences University, Popular Auto, Smirnoff Ice, YAC, Music Wave, Locmarine Boat Security and Monitoring, García Céspedes Insurance, LaCroix, PRFoam by Design, Ford Fajardo, Azul Marine Lending, Marine Division by Kitchens & More, Malibu, LUCKY Energy, Bitter End Yacht Club, Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour, The Moorings, Rosewood Little Dix Bay, Peter Island Resort, Beyond the Reef, La Roche-Posay and Pedialyte.