Puerto Ricans are described as passionate and festive people. They are very religious. On the island you will find frequent celebrations known as Catholic Feast Days. Every town has its own patron saint, and it is not unusual to find carnival celebration taking place for several days at the time of the saint’s feast day. The celebrations feature dancing, singing, gambling, amusement park rides, and many processions and religious ceremonies.
Puerto Rico’s list of annual events is extensive. There are a number of religious and political holidays celebrated annually. The following is a short list of holidays celebrated in Puerto Rico. This does not include the individual town’s Feast Days.
January 6
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Three Kings Day
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January 11
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Puerto Rican Educator and Essayist Eugenio Maria de Hostos
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Mid Jan.-March
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Drama Festival in San Juan
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Mid February
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San Juan Carnival
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Mid March-May
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Puerto Rican Theater Festival in Old San Juan
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March 22
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Emancipation Day, marking the abolition of slavery in 1873
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April
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Tropical Flower Show in San Juan
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Mid June
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Flower Festival in Aibonito
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June
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Barranquitas Native Handicrafts Fair
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June 23
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Eve of San Juan Bautista Day
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July 17
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Birthday of Luis Munoz Rivera, Puerto Rican Patriot
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July 25
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Commonwealth Day, marking the adoption of the Puerto Rican Constitution in 1952.
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October 12
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Columbus Day called Dia de la Rey or Day of the Race
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November 19
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Discovery Day, marking Columbus’s arrival in Puerto Rico in 1493.
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The Puerto Ricans have a rich cultural life. In 1955 the Institute of Puerto Rican culture was established in San Juan by the government. This institute designs programs in archeology, music, architecture, literature, drama and dance. The Department of Parks and Recreation on the island has developed parks and baseball fields. They offer plays in Spanish and courses in dramatics, folk dancing and native music. Very often mobile theatrical companies and bookmobiles tour the island.
Puerto Rico has a famous art form called the
santos.
Santos are small wooden saints called
Tres Reyes Magos
(Three Magi Kings). The santos are small wooden saints carved by a diminishing group of artisans known as santeros.
The literature of Puerto Rico often refers to social and political issues, like that of many Latin American countries. Puerto Rico’s most important literature was produced in the late 19th century. Noted authors are Manuel A. Alonso, Alejandro Tapia, Luis Llorens Torres, Antonio Padriera and Tomas Blanco.
Activities
1.
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Encourage the students to do research about difference cultural traditions in the island of Puerto Rico.
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2.
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Discuss the art form
Tres Reyes Magos.
Have students recreate replicas of same. Have students write a short essay about the artisans known as the santeros.
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3.
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Have students write biographies about famous authors in Puerto Rican Literature such as Manuel A. Alonso, Alejandro Tapia, Luis Llorens Torres Antonio Padriera and Tomas Blanco.
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