Culture

A lot of foreign influences have had a hand in shaping Puerto Rico's culture. The native Tainos women were taken by the conquering Spaniards as wives and mistresses and thus, even though their civilization was wiped out, their customs survived into the present era. To fulfill the shortage of labor, African natives were brought in as slaves and the culture of Puerto Rico grew with their practices and beliefs. During and after the world wars, a large percentage of immigrants and expatriates found their way to Puerto Rico from nations like France, Germany, Italy, Lebanon and China. These too made their individual contributions to the growth of the Puerto Rican culture. Then in the 1960's came a wave of immigration from America and Cuba, due to war or political instability in their country. The latest immigration to the nation has been of poverty-stricken Dominicans.

Thus, the multi-cultural, multi-racial and multi-lingual history of Puerto Rico, have transformed it in to a multi-faceted culture with beliefs, customs and traditions raging from every part of the world.

The people indulge in playing game of cockfighting as well as the occasional bout of wrestling in their daily lives. There is also a great emphasis on literary and visual arts. Most Puerto Rican literature is written in Spanish and can trace its origin back to the tradition of oral-narratives of the Tainos.

A. Music

The music of Puerto Rico again has potpourris of various influences ranging from indigenous to international. Perhaps the only influence that the native Tainos have left is that of Puerto Rican instruments. These include the percussion instruments as well as the Guitarron, Maracas, the guiro and tiple. All these still continue to be made by the original parts form the forest.

The Africans bought in a number of music and dance forms to the islands. These include the babú, belén, cunyá, leró and yubá. Among them, one form that has made it to the present times and is very popular with locals is the Bomba. This sort of music begins with a single lead, usually female and then the process being carried forward by dancers and drummers who continuously challenge each other to perform better. Another, more sophisticated version of dance is the Danza staged by couples.

Other forms of music like the salsa and the reggaeton are also very popular.

B. Language

Although, Spanish is the main language of the people, both English and Spanish are designated as official by the government. Both languages are spoken throughout the island although; English in some places tends to be second-rate and reserved for tourists only.

C. Religious Practices

Following the Spanish norm of forced conversion, nearly seventy percent of the native population of Puerto Rico is Roman Catholic. There are small Jewish and Muslim communities prevailing on the island as well.

Puerto Rico gives its citizens the freedom of choosing and following the religion they want to abide by. As majority of the population is Christian, celebrations like Christmas and Easter are rejoiced with the whole paraphernalia in Puerto Rico.

African derivative such as the practice of Santeria, a religious system often confused with Voodoo, is also practiced here. Nonetheless, Palo Mayombe a faith system born of Bantoo and Congo origins has more followers as far as African traditional religions are concerned.

D. Major Events

La Casita Festival

A traditional music festival that brings together the best of talents present in the nation. In addition a crafts market is also held at the Plaza de la Dársena. The musicians perform between 5:30pm and 7:30pm and the crafts display commences from 1:00pm and lasts upto 10:00pm on Saturdays.

Date: All year round

Location: San Juan

Tel: (787) 721-2891

Atardecer Romántico

Another gathering of poets, musicians, painters and performers, who come together to entertain the crowd.

Date: All year round

Timing: 5:30pm onwards.

Location: Paseo La Princesa, San Juan

Children's Teather

This event provides great entertainment for children, with music, puppet shows, acrobats and clowns.

Date: Third Sunday of every month.

Location: Old San Juan's Paseo La Princesa, Arcada Terrace.

Timing: 4:00pm to 5:00pm.

DanzaActiva

This one is a cultural extravaganza with dancers from all over the world coming together to celebrate their heritage and origin.

For further information:

Web: www.DanzActiva.com

Tel: 787-775-9438.

LeLoLai Program

It is a music program that is arranged by the Puerto Rico Tourism Company. Tickets for the same may be purchased at authorized local travel agencies and participating hotels.

Date: All year round

Location: San Juan

For further details contact:

1-800-223-6530 or (787) 723-3135 (weekdays)

(787) 791-1014 (on weekends and evenings).

E. Etiquette / Do's and Don'ts

Do's

? Dress informally, jeans and shorts are well received everywhere.

? Use a firm shake of the hand to greet people.

? Dress decently when visiting places of worship.

? Learn a few Spanish terms to converse with locals.

Don'ts

? Do not expect locals to be on time for anything, they are a little laid back in their attitude towards time.

? Do not venture nude onto the beaches.