Multi-Enthic Cultures of Puerto Rico

Over the course of Puerto Rico's history the country has been strongly influenced by a number of different cultures. The strongest of these were Spanish and Western, but there are also a number of other cultures which have been merged with these to provide a culture which is unique to Puerto Rico.

Today you will find that not only do the inhabitants of this island enjoy a wonderfully rich and diverse culture, but they are themselves a wonderfully varied people. During the 18th century, Spanish settlers took Indian wives and these intermingled marriages brought about a massive change in the local population. Later African slaves and Chinese, German, Lebanese and French immigrants settled on the island and also became an integral part of the country’s national identity. Today you will find that not only do the people of Puerto Rico bear physical aspects of this mingling of cultures, but their unique culture does too. So come and explore the culture of Puerto Rico and discover a beautiful and colorful corner of the world.

It's immediately clear to see the Spanish history in Puerto Rico's architecture. The narrow, winding, cobblestone roads are reminiscent of Andalusia, South of Spain. San Juan is said to be home to over 400 historic sites ranging from examples of classic architecture and old military power.

It is evident that a strong infusion of arts in the history of Puerto Rico has resulted in its people developing artistic flair. Regardless of whether they're taught to fine tune their skills or whether they're just born with it, there's a strong presence and artistic vibe wherever you are in Puerto Rico.

As with most of Puerto Rico's culture, the country's cuisine reflects strong Spanish, Mexican, African and American influences. Locally known as Cocina Criolla or Creole Cooking, Puerto Rican traditional cuisine can be traced back to the original inhabitants of the land who feasted on fruit, corn and freshly caught seafood. Later, when Columbus arrived on the scene in 1493, other meat, rice, wheat and oil products were thrown into the mix. These mingled flavors can be tasted in various forms in traditional Puerto Rican cuisine.

Puerto Rican literature and writings are about as old as the country itself. Early settlers would spend many hours picturesquely describing their surroundings and experiences in this newly found country. Spanish writers like Fray Tomas de la Torre and Gonzalo Fernandez are high on the list of noteworthy literates.

User Comments & Reviews

robert
2010-07-12 04:20:19

I hope it will stay common weatlh because if we become a state you will have lots of ilegal people going to PR. just my take on it.

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reyes monreal
2010-06-21 02:53:41

WHEN IS THE NEXT PLEBISCITE NATIONAL VOTE DUE NEXT TO POSSIBLY BECOME ANOTHER STATE OF THE USA??

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Sabrina Marie Ortiz
2010-06-07 18:27:56

I WOULD LOVE TO GO P.R. MY GRANDPARENTS ARE FROM PONCE. I HAVE NOT BEEN TO P.R. HOPEFULLY MAYBE I WILL TAKE A TRIP NEXT YEARS.

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cj
2010-05-24 01:40:41

I would like to faind information about my father,family his name was FAUSTINO TORRES. And he has a sister PETRA in aguasbuena in CAGUAS P.R.
ay! bendito! go to ancestry.com or something like that.... (bendito means poor thing!)

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cj
2010-05-24 01:37:50

doin a report on p.r. -VERY useful site =)

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GLORIA Torres
2010-04-25 15:52:31

I would like to faind information about my father,family his name was FAUSTINO TORRES. And he has a sister PETRA in aguasbuena in CAGUAS P.R.

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geha
2010-03-17 15:22:50

Paul D. Prater , I'm from PR, we are american citizents since we born becuase we are commonwealth with the USA, so we no need a VISA to go to USA or the ppl ofr USA not need a VISA, just your ID until now! GEHA

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Keliah
2010-02-26 10:49:14

i have a presentation to do on puerto rico and this is a grest article

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Admin
2009-10-15 12:22:55

To Sandra (and other visitors looking for family members/friends), please join the Forums and post your question there. Other Forum members and visitors to this website may be able to assist you. Regards, PuertoRico.com Team

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Sandra
2009-10-12 16:47:52

Hi, born in New York to puertorican parents. I would like to know if anyone knows any family of Jose Juan Sanchez

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