Category: La Isla

La Isla Boricua Community

Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián: Celebrating Culture and Tradition

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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…

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Exploring the Rich History of Old San Juan

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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…

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Parrandas in Puerto Rico a Christmas Tradition

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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…

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Welcome to Hacienda Muñoz

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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…

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Exploring Porta Coeli in San German Puerto Rico

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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…

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Festival de Santiago Apóstol Loiza

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

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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…

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Puerto Rico Facts: Interesting Facts about Puerto Rico

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Puerto Rico is a popularly loved tourist destination, and is well known for its vast, majestic beaches. The island is embedded with various interesting features… Puerto Rico, also known as the ‘Island of Enchantment’ comprises an archipelago that includes the main Puerto Rico island and other small islands. The Puerto Rico archipelago is 100 miles long by 35 miles wide and is situated to the east of the Dominican Republic and west of the British Virgin Islands. Over 3.9 million people inhabit the island of Puerto Rico, making it one…

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Puerto Rican Parrots | Puerto Rican Cotorra

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by J. Michael Meyers National Biological Service The Puerto Rican parrot (Amazona vittata) had shared its habitat with the peaceful Taino Indians for centuries before the arrival of European settlers in the Caribbean. Status and Trends Upon arrival of the Spanish in 1493, the Puerto Rican parrot lived in all major habitats of Puerto Rico and the adjacent smaller islands of Culebra, Mona, Vieques, and possibly the Virgin Islands (Snyder et al. 1987). Parrots occupied eight major climax or old-growth forest types (Little and Wadsworth 1964) that covered Puerto Rico…

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Noche de San Juan: A Magical Celebration in Puerto Rico

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Noche de San Juan is a captivating festival celebrated in Puerto Rico on June 23rd. This lively event takes place on the eve of the birthday of Saint John the Baptist, blending Christian traditions with ancient pagan rituals. Let’s dive into the magic of this unique celebration! Origins and Traditions The roots of Noche de San Juan lie in both Christian and pagan beliefs. The festival coincides with the summer solstice, marking the longest day of the year. Here’s what makes this night so special: Midnight Swims: Imagine thousands of people gathering…

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