[Untitled photograph of tamales]

However, a lot of the food has become very Americanized. While they still prepare traditional meals, many of its ingredients are imported. In large cities, fast food chains have become very popular (Puerto Ricans, 2009).

 Traditions One tradition in Puerto Rico is how they name their children. They go by their first, fathers last name, and then mothers last name. Usually, they are both used when addressing people. However, to avoid confusion, they typically drop their mothers’ family when they are in America (Puerto Rican Americans, 2009).

Another tradition is for people who practice Catholicism. The first traditional celebration is baptism. Soon after the child is born, they become baptized and there is a lot of emphasis put on the “padrinos” or grandparents. The second large catholic tradition is the First Holy Communion. Funerals are grieved in a similar way as the United States (Puerto Ricans, 2009).

When parents die, the land and property are still usually transferred to the eldest son. However, the eldest daughter also has many rights in this area. Most American traditions have been passed to Puerto Rican culture. An example of this would be how they celebrate holidays like Christmas and Independence Day (Vigil, 1996).

Holidays Each town has it own holidays to celebrate its patron saint by hosting carnivals, masses, dances, and concerts. However, the main Puerto Rican celebration is on San Juan Bautista Day on June 24. At midnight, the participants go into water fully clothed to bring them good luck (Puerto Ricans, 2009).

Other traditional Puerto Rican holidays include Three Kings Day (January 6), Constitution Day (July 25), and Discovery Day (Novemeber 19). They do celebrate all American holidays. For example, Independence Day (July 4), Veterans Day (November 11), Thanksgiving (Last Thursday in November), and Christmas (December 25). On these holidays, they celebrate by hosting parades. (Santiago-Irizarry, V. 2001). On Christmas day a tradition is to do “asalto” or “assault.” This is when people go door to door and sing carols called “aquinaldos.” After being sung to, the family will join the group and move on to the next house (Puerto Ricans, 2009).

(Jimenez)

Music and Dance The most popular kind of music in Puerto Rico is Salsa. Two very popular Puerto Rican musicians are José Feliciano and Tony Orlando and Julian. They do listen to a lot of American music (Puerto Rican Americans, 2009). The young enjoy going to bars to listen to music and dance in their free time.

Sports and Entertainment Baseball is the most popular sport. Many famous baseball players have left Puerto Rico to play in the American major leagues, the most well known being Roberto Clemente. There are also six professional winter league teams that many Americans play in. Other popular sports include horse racing, boxing, and basketball (Puerto Rico, 2004).

Another popular form of entertainment is The Tapia Theater in Old San Juan. This has hosted the Taller de Histriones group and “zarzuela” or comic opera troupes from Spain (Puerto Rico, 2004).

Folk art, Crafts, and Hobbies A well known type of craft is called “santos.” These are carved religious figures that have been made for over 400 years on this island. Another popular craft is “Mundillos“ or tattered fabrics which is a lace craft that too has been made for a very long time. Some of the musicians make “cuatros” or four-string guitars and other crafts people make “caretas“ or paper- mâché masks for various festivals (Puerto Rico, 2009).

References →