Puerto Rico: Culture and Politics

Puerto Rico: Culture and Politics

Puerto Rico has quite a unique history of culture. There are many races represented in their society. Years and years of slavery, conquest, escape from communism, and colonization has made Puerto Rico one of the most diverse countries in the world. “The Taino population was first to influence Puerto Rican culture, but it was Spanish culture which most greatly influenced the islands history” (prboriken, 1). The Spanish shaped the culture in many ways. By implementing slavery, the indigenous Taino population was nearly obliterated. Spanish men wed many of the Taino women, and also introduced the African culture to the island through more slavery. Chinese peoples were imported, and Cubans immigrated to escape Fidel Castro’s rule. The Dominican Republic has suffered economic downfalls, causing many from there to flee to Puerto Rico. French, German, Lebanese, and even Italians have been known to inhabit the island. Being so diverse, the island practically exists without racial problems.

“An intricate aspect of culture of the island of Puerto Rico is religion. When Christopher Columbus first set foot on Puerto Rican soil, on November 19, 1493, he planted the cross on the western coast of the Island”(uvm, 1). The Spanish brought with them the catholic religion, and taught it to many of the locals of Puerto Rico. Religion is very celebrated in Puerto Rico. The people hold feast days called “Las Fiestas Patronales” in which they celebrate the town saint. For their Christmas celebration, they are known for celebrating from early December into mid January. While Catholicism is the primary religion, many others are also represented. “Protestantism, Presbyterianism, Congregationalism, United Brethren, Episcopalian, Jehovah Witness, and Judaism are also practiced as well” (uvm, 1). One religion practiced, called “Santeria”, is hailed as satanic or cultish. It has been linked to originate from African descent, but is very...