Category: La Isla

La Isla Boricua Community

Why Sundays in Puerto Rico Are for Lechón, Football, and Online Bets

boricua01

In Puerto Rico, Sundays are sacred. Not in a stiff, quiet, put-on-your-best kind of way—but in a loud, flavorful, deeply social way. It’s the day families come together, music fills the air, dominoes clack against tabletops, and the smell of roasted lechón takes over entire neighborhoods. And lately? There’s another layer to the ritual: checking scores, checking bets, and shouting at the TV when your fantasy pick misses a goal. Puerto Ricans have always loved a little friendly competition. But now, alongside the pork and passion, online sports betting is…

Read More

Guavate: A Culinary Journey Down Puerto Rico’s Famous Lechón Highway

boricua01

Lechon Highway Imagine a place where the aroma of slow-roasted pork fills the air, where the sounds of salsa music spill from bustling open-air restaurants, and where every turn of the road brings a new opportunity for a culinary adventure. Welcome to Guavate, Puerto Rico’s legendary “Lechón Highway,” a stretch of winding roads nestled in the verdant mountains of the Sierra de Cayey. For foodies, culture seekers, and anyone looking for an authentic taste of Puerto Rican life, Guavate is an absolute must-visit. Lechón, a whole roasted pig, is more…

Read More

The Coamo Hot Springs | Aguas Termales de Coamo

boricua01
Aguas Termales

The Coamo Hot Springs (Aguas Termales de Coamo) are a renowned natural attraction in Coamo, Puerto Rico, famous for their healing mineral waters. These thermal springs have been cherished for centuries and are believed to be the “Fountain of Youth” that Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León searched for during his exploration of the island in the early 1500s. While the legendary fountain remained elusive, the Coamo Hot Springs continue to captivate visitors with their warm, mineral-rich waters. History and Legend The hot springs have been known since pre-Columbian times,…

Read More

Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián: Celebrating Culture and Tradition

boricua01
Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastian

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…

Read More

Exploring the Rich History of Old San Juan

boricua01
Old San Juan

Delving into the Past: Old San Juan’s Iconic Landmarks ​Old San Juan, a vibrant district steeped in history, beckons visitors with its cobblestone streets, colorful colonial buildings, and an unmistakable sense of charm. As one wanders through its narrow alleys, the echoes of the past resonate in the air, telling tales of centuries gone by. This area, founded in 1521, serves as a testament to the rich history of Puerto Rico, showcasing a blend of Spanish colonial architecture and Caribbean flair. The iconic blue and yellow façades standing side by…

Read More

Parrandas in Puerto Rico a Christmas Tradition

boricua01
Parranda

In Puerto Rico, the holiday season is a time of unparalleled joy and togetherness, with traditions deeply rooted in the island’s vibrant culture. Among these traditions, parrandas stand out as one of the most spirited and cherished. Often referred to as Puerto Rico’s version of Christmas caroling, parrandas are more than just singing—they are dynamic expressions of community, music, and festivity that bring people together in celebration. What Are Parrandas? A parranda is essentially a musical gathering where a group of friends and family members, armed with instruments and holiday…

Read More

Welcome to Hacienda Muñoz

boricua01

About Us Hacienda Muñoz is a coffee farm founded in 1999 by Héctor Muñoz located in San Lorenzo, Puerto Rico. It has a restaurant, Yiya’s Restaurant, a coffee shop, Doppio Coffee Bar, a sports bar, Amanda’s Garage, and a guided coffee tour. To visit the hacienda you do not need to make any type of reservation. Everything is done in order of arrival. Admission and parking are free of charge. The coffee tour is not a mandatory activity, you can visit the hacienda without having to do it. Hacienda Muñoz…

Read More

Exploring Porta Coeli in San German Puerto Rico

boricua01

Nestled amidst the cobbled streets and colorful colonial buildings of San German, Puerto Rico, lies a hidden gem – Porta Coeli. Translated as “Gateway to Heaven,” this structure isn’t just a beautiful church; it’s a tangible link to the island’s rich history and artistic heritage. A Legacy Built by Monks Our journey through time begins in 1609. Dominican monks, fueled by religious zeal and a desire to spread Catholicism, arrived in San German. Atop a gentle hill, they embarked on an ambitious project – the construction of Convento de Santo…

Read More

Festival de Santiago Apóstol Loiza

boricua01
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…

Read More

Puerto Rico Will Include Status Plebiscite in November’s General Elections

boricua01

Gov. Pedro Pierluisi and his fiancee Fabiola Ansotegui Blanc arrive at a polling station to vote in the gubernatorial primaries, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Sunday, June 2, 2024. (AP Photo/Alejandro Granadillo) BY  CORAL MURPHY MARCOS Updated 7:20 PM EDT, July 1, 2024 SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Gov. Pedro Pierluisi announced Monday that Puerto Rico’s political status will be on the ballot in the general elections this November, and for the first time the island’s current status as a U.S. territory will not be an option in the non-binding…

Read More