Category: La Isla

La Isla Boricua Community

Enabling Continued Improvement to Road Safety in Puerto Rico

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The US Department of Transportation has recently announced the total allocation of $1.14 billion to repair bridges and roads in Puerto Rico and four other territories. The funding has been granted through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and, this fiscal year, $219 million will be made available to the territories. As well as promoting economic growth and creating new jobs, improving infrastructure in Puerto Rico will create more sustainable and resilient roads that are also safer for all users from large commercial truck fleets to more vulnerable cyclists and pedestrians. While Puerto…

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How to Immerse Yourself in the Culture of Puerto Rico

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With beautiful beaches and luxurious resorts, Puerto Rico is a popular tourist destination. Sightseeing is fun, but it won’t give you a true look at the rich and unique culture of the Island of Enchantment, as Puerto Rico is known. For that, you need a taste of how the local residents live. Meet the Locals The best way to meet Puerto Rican residents is to get out of the touristy areas. You can do that in a number of ways. Instead of staying at a chain hotel, try booking a…

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Puerto Rico Veterans Form Their Own American Legion Post

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Vazquez Post # 939, a Latino-focused veteran association, was recently launched in Chicago for Puerto Rico veterans. Formed by Marcos Torres, the group was named in honor of Jason Vazquez, a 25-year-old Puerto Rican soldier killed in Afghanistan in 2008. Torres wants the group to enhance representation and inclusivity, inform the non-veteran community of Puerto Rican culture, and champion the history of Latino soldiers through events, resources, and community partnerships. Lack of representation As he was growing up in Humboldt Park, Chicago, Torres noticed a lack of representation surrounding Puerto Rican veterans…

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“Cocobana” & “La Joya”: Puerto Rico’s best murals and street art

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calle fortaleza old san juan puerto rico

Puerto Rico is a Latin American country that has plenty to offer visitors and citizens, as it has a number of appealing scenic locations as well as featuring some of the world’s most incredible natural beauty. However, it could be argued that there is nothing better than the street art scene and the murals that have since popped up all across the island in various places. Of course, there is no doubt that the art scene within Puerto Rico has managed to grow in the way that it has because…

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What You Need to Know Before Retiring in Puerto Rico

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What You Need to Know Before Retiring in Puerto Rico

Your retirement should be one of the very best times in your life, and it should offer you the freedom that you don’t have access to when you are harnessed with a full time day job. Many people look for retirement in a place where they can experience temperate climates and beautiful views. Puerto Rico can be an ideal place to spend your retirement but before you can make it happen there are a few things you really need to know.  Why You Should Retire to Puerto Rico  Puerto Rico…

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Puerto Ricans Fume as Outages Threaten Health Work and School

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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Not a single hurricane has hit Puerto Rico this year, but hundreds of thousands of people in the U.S. territory feel like they’re living in the aftermath of a major storm: Students do homework by the light of dying cellphones, people who depend on insulin or respiratory therapies struggle to find power sources and the elderly are fleeing sweltering homes amid record high temperatures. Power outages across the island have surged in recent weeks, with some lasting several days. Officials have blamed everything from…

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People of Puerto Rico

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people of puerto rico 5

Even though Puerto Ricans don’t have a defined race, they are proud of their identity. Boricuas are the result of a multicultural tradition that began more than 500 years ago when the Spaniards arrived on the Island, inhabited at the time by the Taínos — an indigenous group with a significant presence throughout the Caribbean. African influences were added to the melting pot years later when Spaniards brought slaves to the Island to work sugar and coffee plantations. The fusion of those three races leads to the modern-day Puerto Ricans — good people…

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History of the Sugar Industry in Puerto Rico

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Sugar Cane

When it comes to Puerto Rico, one of its best industries outside of tourism is sugar. The Caribbean is a hotbed for sugar because of the tropical weather, making it the best climate to grow. The sugar industry has done well for Puerto Rico from desserts, juice, and rum. Here’s a brief history of the sugar industry in Puerto Rico. Trek to the New World in the 1500s If you’re going to a Caribbean island for family vacations, think about taking a trip to Puerto Rico, aka La Isla. Before…

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Puerto Rico to limit alcohol sales gatherings amid pandemic

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Pedro Pierluisi pandemic

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Puerto Rico’s governor on Monday announced new restrictions to fight a rise in COVID-19 cases, including closing certain private businesses and banning alcohol sales after midnight. Social activities such as concerts, weddings, birthdays and anniversaries also will be banned during those hours, and people will be required to wear masks outside if there is a crowd of 50 or more. In addition, elective surgeries that require the use of intensive care units will be prohibited. The measures will be in effect Sept. 2-23 and…

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Art in Puerto Rico

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Whether your style is contemporary, classic, urban, or full of history, Puerto Rico has works of art that will inspire you with the island’s distinct interpretation of Caribbean culture. For a mix of old and new, the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico in San Juan’s artsy Santurce neighborhood features sculptures, paintings, and articles that date back to the 17th and 18th centuries. The sculpture garden outside the museum rivals the beauty of the works inside, including a koi pond and peaceful, park-like green space in the middle of the city. This museum is…

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