Meriden Puerto Rican Festival

Please join us for the annual Meriden Puerto Rican Festival on Sunday, August 4th, 2024 at Hubbard Park in Meriden, CT. Join us for a fun-filled and exciting family day. More info to come soon, we can’t wait to see you there! 57th Annual Puerto Rican Festival Join us for a fun filled and exciting family day! Children’s Amusements – Cultural Tent – Craft & Gift Vendors Musical Bands From Puerto Rico – Los Trobadores, Juan Carlos Merced “Bravea”, Jovino Gonzalez, El Cuarista Mariano Jurado “Juradito” accompanied by Roberto Pineiro…

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Bacalaitos | Puerto Rican Codfish Fritters

bacalaitos

Back to Recipes Bacalaitos, or codfish fritters, are a beloved staple of Puerto Rican cuisine. These savory bites, enjoyed as street food or alongside a meal, boast a rich history intertwined with the island’s cultural tapestry. The foundation of bacalaitos lies with the arrival of the Spanish. Cod, preserved through salting, was a vital source of protein for long sea voyages. When the Spanish colonized Puerto Rico, they brought this technique and the fish itself. The indigenous Taíno people likely contributed the use of cassava flour, a precursor to the…

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Esmeralda Santiago – Acclaimed Puerto Rican Author

Esmeralda Santiago is the author of three groundbreaking memoirs;  When I was Puerto Rican and Almost A Woman, which she adapted into a Peabody Award-winning movie for PBS’s Masterpiece Theatre, and The Turkish Lover. Her novels include America’s Dream, the national best seller Conquistadora, and Las Madres. Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Esmeralda lives with her husband documentary filmmaker Frank Cantor in Westchester County, New York. Esmeralda Santiago, a name synonymous with resilience and the power of storytelling, was born in 1948 amidst the sugarcane fields of Toa Baja, Puerto Rico. The eldest of eleven children, her early…

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Your Home’s Maintenance – to DIY or Not to DIY

Your Home’s Maintenance – to DIY or Not to DIY Weekend warriors all over the country have become obsessed with DIY projects. TV shows on HGTV and the DIY Network make it seem so easy to grab a tool belt or sledge hammer and renovate your home over a weekend. Unfortunately, most people do not have the skills necessary to replicate these results and often end up creating larger problems by tacking projects which should be left to professionals. Owning a home can be expensive. Even if your home is…

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Festival de Santiago Apóstol Loiza

Ayala shop

In Loíza, there is another style of vejigante, the ones whose masks are made from coconut and drift wood. During the Festival of Saint James, the Apostle, in Spanish Santiago Apóstol, there is a lively parade through the town where the vejigantes and the Spanish knights do battle, representing the struggle between the forces of good and evil. Bomba music, a traditional folk music with a distinctive African influence, thumps out while dancers use their colorful skirts to create a dialogue with the drummers, and the musicians respond to the dancers rather than the other…

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Hecho en Puerto Rico | Asociación Hecho en Puerto Rico

The Asociación Hecho en Puerto Rico, Inc. is a non-profit organization incorporated in 1967. Its origins date back to 1910 when Don Antonio R. Barceló founded the Puerto Rico Association with the purpose of protecting the main industries of the island, which, at that time, were sugar cane, coffee and tobacco. In 1913, the Puerto Rico legislature passed Law #52, which established the Asociación Puerto Rico, later renamed Asociación Productos de Puerto Rico Inc. whose official logo became the symbol of the mechanical wheel with the motto “Made in Puerto…

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Arturo Alfonso Schomburg | Historian Writer Activist

Early Years Arturo Alfonso Schomburg, born on January 24, 1874, in Santurce, Puerto Rico, emerged as a pivotal figure in the early 20th century, championing the recognition and preservation of African and African diaspora history and culture. His contributions laid the groundwork for what would become an enduring legacy in the realms of African American studies and library science. Schomburg was born to a Puerto Rican mother of African descent, Mary Joseph, and a German father, Carlos Federico Schomburg. This biracial heritage positioned him uniquely at the intersection of multiple…

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Guaynabo Puerto Rico | Capital del Deporte

Nestled within the metropolitan area of San Juan, Puerto Rico, lies the vibrant town of Guaynabo. Its bustling streets and contemporary vibe belie a rich history dating back to the 17th century. Let’s delve into the heart of Guaynabo, exploring its origins, cultural touchstones, and the architectural gem that is the San Pedro Mártir Parish Church. A Look Back: The Founding of Guaynabo Guaynabo’s official founding date is a bit of a mystery. Historical records suggest it could be anywhere between 1693 and 1702. While the exact year remains unconfirmed,…

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