My blood is a mosaic. It tastes like Taíno yuca, pumps with Spanish passion and dances to the rhythm of Africa. I am an American. I speak my own type of Spanish, stained with streaks of English. I speak loudly, so you can hear my pride. I speak in song, because I am a celebration. I am an American. I work hard for what I have, because nothing in my history has been handed down to me for free. I move with confidence, because where I come from, the best version of you is your true self. I love with passion, because it's the only way we're taught how. I am 100% Puerto Rican and I am an American.
1. We are US citizens.
Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States. That means we get a US passport and the same rights as every other American, which includes the right to win as many Powerballs as we want.
2. We speak Spanish, sort of.
It's a mixture of Castilian, singing, English and our own thing.
3. We love us some food.
From "mofongo" to "bacalaítos" to "mollejas" to "arroz con gandules," our autonomous food has a spot in the heart of every Puerto Rican.
4. Our island is the best vacation spot. Period.
I mean, gorgeous beaches, tropical weather, and an 18+ legal drinking age?
It also features breathtaking historical spots like El Morro in Old San Juan, the only tropical rainforest in the United States and three stunning bioluminescent bays.
5. Our skin can't be defined as white or black.
We have a rich history, which makes our blood a mixture of Spanish, African American, and Native American cultures. So we may look one or the other, but no Puerto Rican can be defined by their skin color.
6. Our Christmas is one of the longest in the world.
Starting with Christmas Eve on Dec. 24th all the way to the Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastian (San Sebastian Street Festival) typically ending mid-January, our holiday period is almost a month long. Which means putting down your holiday lights in February isn't completely judged.
7. We would be Puerto Ricans even if we were born on the moon.
We are proud of who we are. We are proud of our beautiful island. We are proud of rich and diverse culture. That pride is in our hearts flows through our veins, shows itself whenever we open our mouths, and it defines the roads we take and the people we meet. We are Puerto Rican, no matter where we go.
