Puerto Rico Sunrise Tours

10/01/2025

El director ejecutivo del Instituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña catalogó la exposición de nuestros artesanos como “la feria más importante de artes populares en el Caribe”

21/12/2024

Mañana y todos los 21 de diciembre en Puerto Rico celebramos el DÍA NACIONAL DEL COQUITO, la bebida puertorriqueña más famosa y popular de las Navidades. La receta del COQUITO ACTUAL nació en el Siglo XX porque incluye ingredientes que requieren refrigeración, PERO sabemos que esa exquisita bebida boricua nace de otra bebida que ya existía y que evolucionó hasta la que conocemos hoy. Así que desde hace años nos hemos enfocado en tratar de identificar esa bebida MADRE que parió al Coquito que todos conocemos y consumimos.

El genial MARCELINO J. CANINO SALGADO, considerado uno de los investigadores principales de las raíces folklóricas puertorriqueñas, en su trabajo espectacular sobre la Navidad de Puerto Rico nos comparte esto: “Las amas de casa suelen preparar con leche de coco, huevos, ron clandestino de caña y varias especies como la canela o jengibre, un delicioso ponche que recibe el nombre de "PONCHE COQUITO" o "COQUITO" simplemente” … ¿el origen del COQUITO actual estará en ese ponche? No solo porque tenga muchos de los ingredientes sino por el uso del término COQUITO.

Estos son los ingredientes del COQUITO actual, compara: leche evaporada, leche condensada azucarada, crema de coco, canela molida, ron pitorro y un toquecito de vainilla.

FELICIDADES A TODO EL PUEBLO PUERTORRIQUEÑO
EN EL DÍA NACIONAL DE SU SABROSO COQUITO

11/12/2024

27/11/2024

Conoce, paso a paso, cómo se preservan las históricas paredes.

24/11/2024

27/09/2024

La Asociación de Guías Turísticos de Puerto Rico se une a la celebración del Día Mundial del Turismo. Felicitaciones a todos los guías turísticos que tanto aportan a nuestra industria.

Como Guías Turísticos Certificados nos unimos en celebración al Día Mundial del Turismo.

La Asociación de Guías Turísticos de Puerto Rico (AGUITUR PR) y su Junta felicita a todos sus miembros, colegas y cada persona que con su ardua labor, pasión y conocimiento enaltecen nuestro preciado archipiélago y la experiencia de cada visitante.

¡Sigamos construyendo juntos un turismo sostenible y auténtico!

24/09/2024

African Influences in Puerto Rican Cuisine

A Rich Tapestry of Flavor

Puerto Rican cuisine is a vibrant fusion of indigenous Taino, Spanish, and African influences. While the Spanish colonial period is often highlighted, the contributions of African slaves have been equally significant in shaping the island's culinary landscape. The forced migration of Africans to Puerto Rico during the colonial era brought with it a wealth of culinary traditions, ingredients, and cooking techniques that continue to be celebrated today.

Key African Culinary Influences

* Ingredients: Africans introduced a variety of new ingredients to Puerto Rico, including plantains, yams, okra, pigeon peas, and various spices. These ingredients became integral parts of many traditional Puerto Rican dishes.

* Cooking Techniques: African culinary techniques, such as stewing, braising, and the use of aromatic herbs and spices, were incorporated into Puerto Rican cooking.

* Dishes: Several iconic Puerto Rican dishes have strong African roots, including:

* Mofongo: This mashed plantain dish, often served with pork cracklings or seafood, is a classic example of African influence.
* Pasteles: These savory meat-filled dumplings wrapped in plantain leaves are believed to have originated from West African traditions.
* Sancocho: This hearty stew, typically made with meat, vegetables, and starchy roots, is another dish with African origins.
* Rice and Beans: The combination of rice and beans is a staple in Puerto Rican cuisine and is thought to have been introduced by Africans, especially the rice part being that beans were already indigenous to the Americas.

The African Culinary Legacy

The African influence on Puerto Rican cuisine is more than just a historical fact. It is a living tradition that continues to be celebrated and enjoyed by people around the world. The vibrant flavors, unique ingredients, and rich history of African culinary traditions in Puerto Rico are a testament to the resilience and cultural contributions of the African diaspora.
Conclusion
While the Spanish colonial period is often celebrated for its impact on Puerto Rican cuisine, the contributions of African slaves have been equally essential. The culinary legacy of Africa in Puerto Rico is evident in the delicious and diverse dishes that have become synonymous with the island's culture. By recognizing and appreciating these African influences, we can gain a deeper understanding of the rich tapestry of flavors that make up Puerto Rican cuisine.

23/09/2024

The Puerto Rican Tainos: A Legacy of Resilience and Culture

The Taino were the indigenous people who inhabited Puerto Rico before the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1493. Their civilization, characterized by intricate social structures, vibrant culture, and sophisticated agricultural practices, flourished for centuries before encountering the European colonists.

Here's a glimpse into their history and legacy:

Origins and Culture:

Origins: The Tainos were part of the Arawak language family, with origins tracing back to the Orinoco River region in South America.

Society: They lived in organized villages (yucayeques) led by chiefs (caciques) and a council of elders.

Religion: Their beliefs centered on nature spirits and deities, with a strong emphasis on ancestor worship.

Agriculture: They practiced advanced agriculture, cultivating crops like cassava (yuca), maize, sweet potatoes, and to***co.

Art and Crafts: The Tainos were skilled artisans, creating intricately carved wooden idols, intricate pottery, and beautiful gold ornaments.

Games: They enjoyed games like batey, a form of stickball, and juego de la pelota, a competitive ball game with religious significance.

Impact of Colonization:

Disease: European diseases like smallpox and measles decimated the Taino population, leading to a catastrophic decline.

Forced Labor: The Spanish forced Tainos into labor on plantations, leading to harsh conditions and further population decline.

Cultural Suppression: Spanish efforts to convert the Tainos to Christianity and suppress their cultural practices led to the loss of their traditions and language.

Intermarriage: Intermarriage between Tainos and Spanish settlers contributed to the emergence of a mixed-race population.

Legacy and Resilience:

Language: While the Taino language is extinct, remnants of words and phrases can be found in modern-day Puerto Rican Spanish.

Art and Artifacts: Artifacts like pottery, tools, and jewelry provide insights into their culture and craftsmanship.

Cultural Identity: The Taino legacy continues to influence Puerto Rican culture, with elements of their traditions, beliefs, and food preserved in modern-day celebrations and cuisine.

Advocacy: Indigenous groups and cultural institutions continue to work towards the preservation of Taino history and the recognition of their contribution to Puerto Rican heritage.

The legacy of the Taino people in Puerto Rico is a powerful reminder of the impact of colonization and the resilience of indigenous cultures. Their story serves as a call for understanding and appreciation of their history and the ongoing struggle for recognition and preservation.

For further exploration, consider researching:

The Taíno people of Puerto Rico by Dr. Alfredo López

The Indigenous Peoples of the Caribbean by Dr. David Price

The Taíno: A History of the Arawak Indians by Dr. Irving Rouse

Museums and archaeological sites in Puerto Rico that showcase Taino history and culture.

This is just a brief introduction to the fascinating story of the Taino people of Puerto Rico. There is much more to discover about their history, culture, and legacy.

23/09/2024

20/09/2024