Culture of Puerto Rico
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The culture of Puerto Rico is the result of a number of international and indigenous influences, both past and present. Modern cultural manifestations showcase the island's rich history and help to create an identity which is a melting pot of cultures - Taíno (Native Indian), Spanish, African, and North American.[1]
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[edit] Influences
The presence of Spanish, African, and Caribbean groups have had the greatest influence on the development of a distinct Puerto Rican cultural identity, but a political and social exchange with the U.S. has also helped to shape the local culture.
[edit] Europe
When addressing European involvement in Puerto Rico the primary emphasis must be on Spain, the island's most influential colonizer.[2] Spanish heritage has left an indelible mark on the island and signs of this cultural exchange can be found everywhere, from the official language to the local culinary styles.
The culture of European countries has also influenced the development of the performing arts on the island, especially in music. Many of the island's musical genres have their origins in the Spanish culture, which is responsible for such genres of music like decima, seis, danza, mamba, and son. Puerto Ricans even adopted Europe's classical music, which was popular among the members of the upper-class society.
Puerto Rico's literary developments have been influenced by the Europeans. In the early history of the island's colonization, being literate was a right reserved only for the elite members of society. The majority of the writings that were done prior to the 19th century were for the benefit of the Spanish monarchy. These writings were created by Spanish officials on the island, and were written reports of the occurrences on Puerto Rico.
[edit] Africa
With the introduction of slavery to the colony, the island experienced an influx of Africans who brought with them the cultural trappings of their own tribes. These influences are particularly notable in the fields of dance and music, but more subtle ties also exist, such as those that connect Puerto Rico's literary history with the rich African tradition of oral storytelling.
[edit] Caribbean and Latin America
The shared heritage of many Caribbean nations is reflected in cultural pursuits like dance as well as in local culinary styles. The neighboring islands that have had the most influence on Puerto Rico's dance and music are Cuba and the Dominican Republic. A number of Latin American countries also have exerted influence on Puerto Rico, particularly in helping the island to develop its own distinct cultural identity. In the filmmaking community, co-productions between Puerto Rico and other Latin American countries, especially Mexico, have created an exchange of ideas and influenced their film conventions. For instance, the Latin sense of humor and fantastical elements are evident in Puerto Rican films.
[edit] United States
Culturally, Puerto Rican sentiment for the U.S. tends to vary between emulation and opposition, a result of the complicated socio-political relationship between the two. American influences such as jazz can be found in the development of the island's unique musical style, but there is also evidence of cultural antagonism, particularly in areas such as literature. This dichotomy also exists in cinema, which has been greatly influenced by the U.S. With its commonwealth status, Puerto Rico always attracted U.S. studios to shoot in the country, and film genres popular in the States during specific periods were often mirrored in contemporary Puerto Rican productions. However, other films delve into issues springing from the complex relationship between the two countries.
[edit] Themes and motifs
Filmmakers often explore social, political, and familial themes, including issues of Puerto Rican identity. While these can be found in many genres, satirical treatment is popular.
Another theme found throughout the history of Puerto Rico's culture is social repression, particularly in the arts. In the island's early history, the music and literature of the common people and slaves were highly repressed by the Spanish Colonial government:
- Literary Repression: In the beginning of Puerto Rico's cultural development, only the elite members of the island's society were allowed to purchase books, or even know how to read. Commoners who knew how to read, or who were caught with books in their possession were subject to punishment by the Spanish Colonial government. The Spanish government enforced these laws because they were afraid that if the peasants and slaves were educated they would form their own social and cultural identities.
- Repression in Music: Puerto Rico didn't bring as many slaves to island as in other parts of the Caribbean, therefore the African culture on the island isn't as prevalent as in most of the neighboring islands. Though not a dominant factor, the slave culture still has had an impact on the conventions and customs of the islanders, specifically in its dance and music. When the African slaves were brought to the island, the Spanish government prohibited them from practicing most of their traditional ceremonies, religious practices, and other ethnic customs. The African slaves were able to retain some of their ancestry by integrating their traditions with those of the Puerto Ricans, creating a new form of cultural expression that is still apparent in the island's dance and music today, which include genres like plena and bomba.
[edit] Cultural pursuits
- Cinema - Find out about the island's own film industry as well as its role in international cinema.
- Cuisine - Learn more about the distinctive flavor of local cooking.
- Dance - Performing arts such as dance are an integral part of cultural expression.
- Literature - Literary achievement has helped Puerto Rico to gain international acclaim.
- Music - Learn how musical styles found on the island blend diverse cultural influences.
- Painting - Puerto Rican natives have contributed a great deal to the world of visual arts.
- Sports - Learn more about the types of sports that are popular on the island.
[edit] References
- ^ Puerto Rico Convention Center. "Puerto Rico: Culture". About Puerto Rico.
- ^ Carrión, Arturo Morales. Puerto Rico: A Political and Cultural History. pp 41 - 51
- "Puerto Rico: Culture", Puerto Rico Convention Center.. Retrieved on January 4, 2007.
- Carrión, Arturo Ortiz (1983). Puerto Rico: A Political and Cultural History. New York: Norton & Co., 41 - 51.
