In light of recent events in Puerto Rico and the holiday still lingering, I've decided to make a list of my favorite 10 things about my culture. These are things that everyone out there should know exist and that I'm sure every Puerto Rican can relate to and loves, as well. And to every Puerto Rican readings this, take pride in your culture, don't be ashamed and don't turn against your people in difficult times.
Enjoy!
1. Christmas Time in Puerto Rico
The food and coquito. The music and parrandas. The festivals and Las Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastian. Los chinchorreos and Three Kings Day. The culture and traditions. Christmas in Puerto Rico is without a doubt the best. We celebrate the holiday for over a month and it is a time of family, friends and coming together. It's so nice to come back as I get to take part in this amazing celebratory time.
2. The Beaches
This little island is covered by some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Crystal blue water, white sand and a good time is guaranteed on the sandy shores of this wonderful paradise.
3. Salsa:
Whenever Puerto Ricans get homesick it is most likely that they will be listening to their Puerto Rican roots, Salsa. Music that will make you want to dance immediately and fills you up with happiness. This is definitely the most fun music to dance to. (And whatever anyone else says, Salsa came from Puerto Ricans, not Cubans.)
4. Food. Food. Food.
The pictures below speak for themselves.
5. Especial del Banco Popular
Marking the official start of the Christmas holiday, this special broadcast never fails to bring the community together in music. Showing the best artists and upcoming artists in our island, it is one of my favorite things to do with my family that first Sunday of December every year.
6. The People
Puerto Rico has the liveliest people around. We love to celebrate and have a good time. Always saying hello with a kiss on the cheek and with a smile on our faces, Puerto Ricans always try to make everyone feel at home. Although at times we are also very loud, I love that about us. We let our voices be heard.
7. El Viejo, San Juan
One of the prettiest areas of the island is Old San Juan. It has maintained the architecture of the Spanish rule and is beautifully conserved. It is a nice little historical place where you can get lost in a colorful world you never knew existed.
8. The Dialect
People often say we have the worst Spanish. Truthfully, they are not entirely wrong. We cut words, we change letters, we change the meanings of some words and we are notorious for our usage of Spanglish. However, a boricua will always recognize another boricua with just hearing a word. We have such a distinct way of speaking that even when you have other Spanish speakers around you in college, it is always nice to have that Puerto Rican who speaks just like you. The three times I've been able to have encounters with other Puerto Ricans at MSU is almost like I can breathe again. It is a feeling that I can only share with Puerto Ricans.
9. Our Athletes and Boxing
Some of my earliest memories include boxing and Puerto Rican athletes who go big. It is a time of a family coming together to cheer on our people. All my life, watching a Puerto Rican boxer was a huge event. When I was little I remember standing outside a little chinchorro under the rain as we all watched in awe, not caring that we might have pneumonia the next day. It is an event that allows the community to come together as one during a match. Whether it's boxing, baseball, basketball or even The Olympics, you name it and we'll be there cheering on our favorite athletes on to success.
10. Arrival
Puerto Ricans have this tradition where every time a plane lands, everyone starts clapping. When the plane begins to descend and you can see the beautiful island from the sky, I put my headphones away and take in all the wonderful things that my little tiny island has to offer. Shortly after, when we have landed, I hear those claps of all the people who share this paradise with me and my heart starts beating like a drum. I'm finally home.
If you are ever wondering where to go on vacation or a place to get away from the cold, Puerto Rico is the place to go. Other than being nice beach weather, it has so many more things to offer than people give it credit for. Puerto Rico is truly "La Isla Del Encanto" and I pride myself in saying I am Puerto Rican. There is no other place I'd rather belong to and it brings me joy being able to always call this little lone star my home.
