Mixing it Up in Puerto Rico

By: Wes Ward
May 26, 2007

Picture 1: Statue that overlooks the Capitol building next to the ocean.

Puerto Rico is a melting pot of cultures, ages, and beliefs. Like the United States, this island is mixed heavily between diverse cultures and ethnicities. Architecture, dancing, and music are all entrenched with multiple identities, which blend into one vast and prideful identity.
The colors are rich and vibrant. Bright blue ocean waves splash the rocky coastlines that quickly become filled with abundant fields of green grasses that further inland transform into lush vegetation.

Picture 2: Mountains in El Yunque National Rain Forest.

The abundance of colors that the island displays creates a beautiful image for anyone’s delight. The people are as pale as the sun bleached sand that surrounds the island, but others have become as dark as the shadowy encasement of an underground cave. Although it is obvious that color and race are not as large a problem as it is in the United States, I do believe that this issue is a clear and defining symbol of Puerto Rico. I am not just describing the color of the people or the landscape, but of the culture itself.
Walking down a street in Puerto Rico a realization will hit you very quickly. The architecture is flooded with stylistic aesthetics influenced from countries throughout the world. Giant stone walls fortify the city of San Juan, not only creating a picturesque scene, but telling the story of its history and people. The language is different from the country to which it pays tribute, and the music is an eclectic mix of combined sounds heard throughout the world. The architecture paints a visual picture of what the world was, is and can be. One building will be painted a vibrant Easter egg blue, contrasting the adjacent building, which is composed entirely of a bright burning orange.

Picture 3: Calle de San Fransisco in San Jaun, Puerto Rico.

The colors and styles of the buildings brilliantly display the energy and abundance of life that floods the streets. Streets rumble with Reggaton as thundering bass and the incessant beat of drums blares from the odd assortment of cars on the streets. Off the streets and inside the beautiful buildings that house the cobbled streets, salsa and merengue music is softly echoed throughout the halls and plazas.
Flamenco dancing and Spanish revival architecture showcase the Spanish upbringings, while the influx of Burger Kings, Starbucks and gas guzzling Ford pickups showcase the industrial and commercial influence of the United States. The struggles of slavery through which Puerto Rico has endured, to the constant clashes over Independence or statehood; this island has prevailed and will continue to shine brightly in the Caribbean Seas.

Picture 3: Flamenco dancer performs for an audience at the local restaurant, Barrachina.