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Located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Ocean in the North America continent is a small island full of rich, vibrant culture. That island is called Puerto Rico.  The cultural characteristics are as diverse as its history. Dating back to the early 18th century, the Spaniard people took the native Tatino Indian women of the island as brides (Rivera, 2021). Later on Africa slaves and Chinese, French, German, and Italian immigrants made their way to the island. As most recent as the 1960s did Cubans flee to this island from their communist state, adding to the diversity. Today, Puerto Ricans are content with their association to the United States while embracing and loving their own country and their way of life.

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To get married in Puerto Rico, the couple must visit the Demographic Registry Office located in Fernandes Juncos Station in San Juan. They need to bring their medical certification indicating that they have met all the required tests. Puerto Rican wedding parties can be held in the bride’s parents’ house in the traditional way or in a more modern way in a rented ballroom. During the wedding party, they serve all Puerto Rican food and desserts. The wedding cake is usually coconut, rum, or pineapple flavored. As with many other cultures Puerto Rico has the tradition of a “money dance “where everyone who wants to dance with the bride needs to first pay and pin the money to the bride’s dress.

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The Fifteenth Birthday, (quinceanera) is the most lavish celebration of Puerto Rican girls’ lives. It symbolizes a girl’s transition from childhood to adulthood. The quinceanera is a big party with lots of food and music. The girl wears a beautiful gown that represents femininity. It is usually a very emotional time for the parents.

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Puerto Rico music is infectious and sensational. With the diversity of people that have entered the island, the music reflects those differences. There are the traditional, folk ballads carried from the 17th and 18th century. These ballads known as jíbaro music give off a sense of nostalgia with its passionate vocals, bongos, and guitars (Thyberg, 2019). Other popular styles of music include bomba and plena. The bomba is rooted back from Africa, with focus being on rhythm, drums, and dancing. Plena is rooted back in economically challenged neighborhoods from the 1800s, “with lyrics that tend to focus on issues of social justice and community (Thyberg, 2019)”.

One of my personal favorites of music is salsa. It is not uncommon to have salsa at festivals and concerts. Big bands made up a variety of percussionists, vocals, and a horn section filled the air. Popular Puerto Rican artists have made their way into the USA and international. Familiar names that one may come across would include Ricky Martin, Daddy Yankee,  Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony, Pirulo y la Tribu, and Calle 13.

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Entering the island of Puerto Rico, you are greeted with a vibrant and lively culture. Much of this ties into modern artifacts of Puerto Rico, although there is not a shortage of history that lies in this land from the Taino, Spanish, and African roots. Many museums, large and small, occupy the island, housing a collection of paintings, sculptures, mixed-media art, and installations. One unique artifact that is found in Puerto Rico is not found in a museum but on “bridges, buildings, and even parking spaces (Art).” I’m talking about the thousands of murals that cover the streets. Just about on any corner that you turn onto, you will see a mural painted on it. This mural here is called "Niké de Atenas” by David Zayas.

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Despite the island being smaller, there are many fascinating landmarks and places to visit. Upon arriving in Puerto Rico, one will come across the country’s most famous military fort called El Morro. It’s the largest fortification in the Caribbeans. Other memorable places in Puerto Rico consist of the beautiful architecture and cobblestone streets of Old San Juan, San Cristóbal (a UNESCO World Heritage and National Historic Site), and the breathtaking rainforest called El Yunque National Forest.

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The vibrancy of Puerto Rican culture is also visible in their dishes. Authentic Puerto Rican food is a highlight for everyone who has the opportunity to experience this culture. Some of the delicious full of flavor and taste are : monfongo, pasteles, arroz y habichuelas. There are many desserts that are often served social places like Panaderias (local bakeries )

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When it comes to Puerto Rican’s beliefs, they have very strong religious ties to Catholicism. In fact, it is “believed that 75 to 85 percent of the population is either Catholic or has strong Catholic ties (Cintron & Maldonado, 2021).” Christianity is important in this community. Many homes may have prayer candles that display the saints on them or have rosary beads hanging beside bed sides.