History & Culture

Many visitors come to Culebra for its crystal-clear waters, white-sand beaches, and breathtaking scenery. While the island's natural beauty is undeniable, Culebra is much more than a tropical destination. It is a close-knit community with a rich history, a resilient spirit, and a legacy shaped by generations of families who have proudly called this island home.

To truly know Culebra, one must look beyond its beaches and discover the stories of its people — the fishermen, teachers, community leaders, veterans, and families whose lives have shaped the island for generations. Understanding Culebra's past allows visitors to better appreciate the resilience, traditions, and deep sense of identity that continue to define the island today.

The turquoise waters, protected landscapes, and peaceful atmosphere that visitors enjoy are not simply gifts of nature. They are also the result of decades of perseverance, sacrifice, and a community's unwavering commitment to preserving one of the Caribbean's most extraordinary islands.

Long before Culebra became a world-renowned tourist destination, the island was home to Indigenous peoples who navigated the Caribbean Sea and relied on its rich natural resources for their way of life. Its strategic location between Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands made Culebra an important point for navigation and maritime travel long before the arrival of modern settlers.

In 1880, the Spanish government officially established the town of Culebra under the leadership of Cayetano Escudero Sanz, encouraging families from mainland Puerto Rico to settle the island. These pioneering families laid the foundation for the close-knit community that continues to thrive today, shaping Culebra's culture, traditions, and enduring sense of identity.

One of the most significant chapters in Culebra's history began in the early twentieth century when the United States Navy established military operations on the island. For many years, large portions of Culebra were used for military training exercises and bombing practices, profoundly affecting both the island and its residents.

Despite these challenges, the people of Culebra never lost their love for their island or their determination to protect it. Residents, community leaders, and supporters worked tirelessly to preserve their community, safeguard its natural environment, and advocate for the well-being of future generations. Through peaceful advocacy, unity, and perseverance, their efforts ultimately led to the end of military exercises on the island.

Today, visitors enjoy some of the Caribbean's most beautiful natural landscapes thanks in part to those conservation efforts. Culebra's history is not only a story of hardship — it is also a story of courage, resilience, unity, and hope.

As a lifelong resident of Culebra and the granddaughter of one of the island's founding families, I have had the privilege of growing up surrounded by stories passed down from generation to generation. I come from the Márquez and Parrilla families, two of the founding families whose history has been closely intertwined with the development of Culebra since its earliest days. Much of the land originally granted to my ancestors was later divided among their descendants. Even today, streets such as Pedro Márquez and Joaquín Parrilla serve as lasting reminders of those early families whose lives became woven into the island's history.

Long before tourism became Culebra's primary source of income, the sea provided for its people. Fishing was not simply an occupation — it was a way of life.

One of my favorite stories came from my grandmother, who often told me about her father, a fisherman. As a little girl, she accompanied him on his fishing trips. In those days, fishermen sometimes used fishing methods that were common at the time but are no longer practiced today. After the fish floated to the surface, he would dive into the water without modern scuba equipment. With remarkable skill, he gathered as many fish as he could using both his hands and even his toes before returning to the boat. As a child, I could hardly imagine someone surfacing with so many fish at once, and that story has stayed with me throughout my life.

Many visitors are surprised to learn that Culebra's original settlement was not located where today's town center stands. The island's first community was established in San Ildefonso, an area that is now mostly rural and later became the site of the former U.S. Naval Camp. Knowing this helps us better understand how the island gradually evolved into the Culebra we know today.

Some of my happiest childhood memories are of Culebra's annual celebrations. Although they honored Our Lady of Mount Carmel (Virgen del Carmen), the island's patron saint, most of us simply knew them as the Carnival. Every July, around the feast day of July 16, the town came alive with music, colorful stages, delicious food, laughter, and families celebrating together for four or five unforgettable days.

One of the most beautiful traditions was the religious procession honoring the Virgen del Carmen. Her image was carried through the streets before being placed aboard beautifully decorated boats that sailed through the bay. Residents and visitors followed behind in a moving expression of faith and devotion. It was a tradition that brought the entire community together.

Calypso music filled the air throughout the festivities. One of the island's most beloved bands was La Sonora Culebrense, whose musicians were largely members of the Munet family, accompanied by Cucuito Félix and singer Edilberto Romero, father of the current Mayor, Edilberto Romero. Bands also traveled from nearby St. Thomas, bringing even more Caribbean rhythms to the celebration. By wonderful coincidence, the Carnival usually took place.