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Facts About Puerto Rico:
Location – South of Florida
National Anthem – “La Borinquena”
National Bird – Stripe-Headed Tanager
National Flower – Puerto Rican Hibiscus
Tourism Motto – ¡Puerto Rico lo hace major! (Puerto Rico does it better!)
Currency – Same as U. S. Dollar (Puerto Rico is part of the U. S.)
History:
Puerto Rico is called the Island of Enchantment. The island of Puerto Rico is actually a piece of a mountain that is mostly underwater and stretches all the way from Venezuela to Florida. The island itself is only about the size of Long Island, New Jersey. It is believed that Puerto Rico was first populated around 40,000 B.C. By the time Christopher Columbus ‘discovered’ the island in 1492, the Taino Indian natives and the island were called Boriquen, which is where the terms ‘Boricua’ or ‘Borinquen’ come from. Once under Spanish rule, Columbus changed the island’s original name from Boriquen to San Juan Bautista. In 1511, the name was changed again by Juan Ponce de Leon to its current name, and kept San Juan as the capital. Puerto Rico translates to “Rich Port,” which was suitable because at this time there were plentiful gold mines. Because of this finding, the island and its natives were extremely exploited in the pursuit of gold. Tainos began to die from the hard labor, physical abuse, and disease that the Spaniards inflicted.
People:
With the last Tainos disappearing into the woodlands in an attempt to escape the miserable conditions placed on them by the Spaniards, the importation of African slaves rose. This is where the Puerto Rican people of today come from. They are a combination of Indian, Spanish, and African blood. Therefore, their skin tone can be very fair, light brown, or even black. The interracial or mixed blood makes them mestizos. This multi-cultural influence goes beyond the physical though. For example, Puerto Ricans are very crafty in making pottery, which they got from the Taino Indians. Their primary language is Spanish and this was introduced thru the Spanish Conquistadors. Then there is the highly enjoyed art of music and dancing. This was greatly influenced by the African beats and instruments.
Food/Religion/Music:
Puerto Rico's main foods are rice combined with chicken, beans and peas. Another popular food is the plantain. It is similar to a banana, but is cooked while it is still very green and firm because it cannot be eaten raw. It is also bigger than, but not as sweet as a banana. The religion mostly practiced in Puerto Rico is Catholicism. This was first introduced by the Spanish and made mandatory when the Holy Inquisition started. The African people had a major influence on the sound and the instruments used in the music of this tropical island. The music of today still carries an African beat, but also has the Spanish salsa and meringue rhythm. The melodies are mostly in Spanish and made for dancing. A few of the most popular dance and music genres are the plena, the danza, and the baile de bomba. The plena is a narrative song that describes the pain and hardships of life. The danza can be slow and romantic or upbeat and festive. It is recognized as very classical. The baile de bomba is very expressive and animated.
Famous Sites to Visit:
If you travel to Puerto Rico, here are a few popular sites to visit. Aguirre Golf Club – The oldest golf course on the island. Banos de Coamo ‘Natural Thermal Bath’ – Thermal waters believed to have curing powers. Caribe Aquatic Adventures – Includes scuba-diving, fishing, cruises, and more. Casa Blanca – Once the home of Juan Ponce de Leon’s family and descendents, now a museum. El Yunque, Bosque Nacional del Caribe – The only rain forest in the U.S. National Forest Service. Instituto de Cultura Puertorriquena – A historic landmark that houses various paintings and sculptures. La Fortaleza – The first fort for the defense of the colony/harbor entrance (built in 1533). Playa Flamenco – Believed to be the best beach on the island. Tibes Indegenous Ceremonial Center – Oldest Taino cemetery, ceremonial site, and settlement. The Island of Vieques – One of the small islands that are separate from the mainland that is 70% U. S. Naval Reserve
To learn more about Puerto Rico, visit: www.meetpuertorico.com.
August 2009
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