January 2024 | Boricua.com

Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez

January 2, 2024February 24, 2024 boricua01

Nydia Velázquez, a prominent and seasoned politician, has dedicated her life to public service, advocating for the rights and well-being of her constituents. Born on March 28, 1953, in Yabucoa, Puerto Rico, Velázquez has become a trailblazer in American politics, making history as the first Puerto Rican woman elected to the United States Congress and the first Hispanic woman to chair a full congressional committee. Nydia Velázquez currently represents New York’s 7th Congressional District, a diverse and dynamic area encompassing parts of Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens. The district is characterized…

House of Puerto Rico San Diego

January 2, 2024January 22, 2024 boricua01

House of Puerto Rico San Diego 2172 Pan American East Road San Diego, California 92101 The House of Puerto Rico San Diego was founded in 1972 by a group of Puerto Rican families in San Diego, led by Doña Casilda Pagán, who sought to preserve our history and culture, and to share our customs with our children and neighbors. In February 2006, we inaugurated a cottage–La Casita –aimed to preserve our culture in the world-renown Balboa Park. Visit nuestra casita every Saturday and Sunday afternoons from 11am-4pm. Be sure to join our Mailing List (see below) to…

Aguas Buenas, Puerto Rico: A Glimpse into Its Rich History and Cultural Heritage

January 1, 2024January 22, 2024 boricua01

Introduction Aguas Buenas, nestled in the heart of Puerto Rico, is a town steeped in history and cultural significance. With a founding date that traces back to the early 18th century, Aguas Buenas has a captivating past, a vibrant present, and a promising future. In this essay, we will explore the town’s early history, its founder, distinctive town colors, notable sites of interest, its patron saint, and the significance of the Catholic church in the town square. Founding Date and Early History Aguas Buenas, officially known as the Municipio Autónomo…

Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián: Celebrating Culture and Tradition

January 1, 2024January 15, 2024 boricua01

Nestled in the vibrant streets of Old San Juan, Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián stands as a testament to Puerto Rico’s rich cultural tapestry and enduring traditions. This iconic festival, tracing its roots back to the 1950s, has evolved into a grand celebration that captivates locals and visitors alike, offering a spirited extravaganza that showcases the island’s heritage. History and Roots The genesis of Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián can be traced to the efforts of a group of locals determined to revitalize Old San Juan in the…

Hatillo’s Festival de las Máscaras

January 1, 2024February 1, 2024 boricua01

A Vibrant Celebration of Puerto Rican Culture Nestled on the northern coast of Puerto Rico, the picturesque town of Hatillo comes alive each year with the vibrant and lively Festival de las Máscaras, a celebration deeply rooted in the island’s rich cultural heritage. This unique event, marked by colorful masks, traditional music, and a sense of community, has become a cherished tradition for both locals and visitors alike. If you’re in Puerto Rico for the holidays, don’t miss Hatillo’s Festival de las Máscaras (“Festival of Masks”), a celebration based on a tradition…

History of the Three Kings Day Celebration

September 6, 2018February 1, 2024 boricua01

An Important Time Every culture has a time of the year that is very important to them. Puerto Ricans know especially how vital it is to celebrate their heritage. Tradition is important because it offers flavor and spice, it tells the world a story about a certain culture. Three Kings’ Day is a celebration that takes place on January 6th every year. While Puerto Ricans do celebrate Christmas, this event is not over even when the new year passes. That is because everyone is anxiously awaiting El Dia De Los Reyes. This has also been…

Elizabeth Baez – Puerto Rican Artist

February 17, 2011February 1, 2024 boricua01

Puerto Rico its sites and the culture are my greatest influence. I was born in Brooklyn, New York, the great city of many tall grey buildings that cast cool shades and shadows. When I was 12 years old, we moved to Puerto Rico. This was a total contrast! It was like someone turned on the light switch of the sun. Sun and light everywhere, I saw what seemed to be 100 different kinds of greens; as in the inspired paintingPalmas del Rio. Bold rich colors everywhere! Even the soil has…

Introduction to Arroz con Gandules

August 9, 2010February 1, 2024 boricua01

Arroz Con Gandules is the national dish of Puerto Rico. It is a rice-and-pigeon-pea dish which is seasoned with sofrito and smoked ham. Puerto Rican cuisine has been influenced by the foods of many cultures, including Spanish, African, Central and South American, and even North American cuisines. There are also many roots and beans used in Puerto Rican cooking that were a part of the diet of the Taíno Indians, the island’s original inhabitants. In this series of free instructional cooking videos, you’ll learn how to cook Puerto Rico’s national…

Category: January 2024

January 2024 Highlights