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Cultural Knowledge Project_ Research Paper.docx

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Since Puerto Rico falls under the umbrella of the United States federal government, much of its political and government structures are similar to the United States, including the education system.

Children are required to attend school between the ages of 6 and 17.

The Puerto Rico Department of Education and the Puerto Rican Education Council oversee the education system

There are six levels of the Puerto Rican education system that track closely with the American system:

1. nursery school or preschool (ages 3-5),

2. kindergarten (5 years old),

3. elementary education (grades 1-6 for children between the ages of 6-12),

4. intermediate or junior high school (grades 7-9 for students between the ages of 12-14)

5.  upper secondary or high school (grades 10-12 for students between the ages of 15-17),

6.  tertiary or higher education.

Within the classroom, routines and classroom management practices are very similar to United States.

Classroom management practices emphasize hands-on learning, high expectations, the importance of establishing a connection with students, and creating a student-focused curriculum.

Because of the Puerto Rican tradition of valuing the collective group over individual autonomy, the classroom is often structured in a way to allow for group-learning through hands-on activities .

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The first known musical tradition was bomba, a style of music that evolved from African slave music and the music of the Taino Indians.

Puerto Rican folk music was developed during the 19th century in response to  colonization as a way of passing down traditions of the people .

The most popular and recognizable musical tradition today is salsa music. The salsa music tradition is heavily influenced by American, Cuban, and African-Caribbean cultures. It is one of the most celebrate art styles as it is fast-paced and danceable.

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Puerto Rico Salsa Dance - Ataca y Alemana

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Food from Puerto Rico is unique because it is a blend of Spanish, African, Caribbean, Taino, and American cuisines.

Some common ingredients and flavors of Puerto Rican cuisine includes beef, pork, chicken, seafood, plantains, onions, garlic, rum, coconut, and achiote.

Typically, meals begin with a soup, such as rijoles negros, black bean soup.

The unique flavor of Puerto Rican food comes from adodo and sofrito, traditional spice blends used to enhance the flavor of most main dishes.

A Popular Puerto Rican dessert is flan (a custard)

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Puerto Rican Pinchos/Chicken Kabob Recipe | Episode 276

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The Spanish culture influenced many aspects of the culture that still exist today, including the religious values of Puerto Rico.

The primary religion in Puerto Rico is Roman Catholicism; introduced by Spanish colonists in the 1500s, today 69.7% of inhabitants identify as Catholic.

After Catholicism, the next largest religious group is Protestantism, 25.1% of the population.

The remaining inhabitants of Puerto Rico practice a mixture of Islam, Judaism, and forms of Spiritism.

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Puerto Rican culture and practices are a blend of the native Taino Indian, European, North American, Latin, African, and Caribbean influences.

One of the most important features of Puerto Rican culture is the importance of family and traditions.

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Demographics

Puerto Rico is culturally diverse and unique.

Racially, the country is a majority white, many of Hispanic origin; the racial demographics are 75.8% white, 12.4% black, and a little over 10% identify as two or more races or “other”

Language

Spanish and English are the official languages.

It is a predominantly Spanish-speaking country.  (except for English-specific schools, most schools are Spanish only. )

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San Juan

The Capital of Puerto Rico is San Juan with a population of 337,288.

San Juan was founded in 1521 and is known as La Ciudad Amurallada, “the walled city”.

Ponce

Other major cities include Ponce, the second largest city in Puerto Rico, which is also known as La Perla del Sur “Pearl of the South” or La Ciudad de los Leones “City of Lions”.

Ponce is an important trade center and busy port.

Mayaguez

Another major city is Mayaguez, the fifth largest city in Puerto Rico; the name is a variation of the Indian name for the main river, Yaguez River.

Mayaguez is home to several major colleges and many historic landmarks like the Mayaguez Post Office and the Yaguez Theater.

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Flower: Puerto Rican Hibiscus (Maga)
Motto: "Joannes Est Nomen Eius" "John is his name"
Tree: Kapok tree
Flag: red white, and blue