Inspiration Friday ~ Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico’s culture is a dynamic mix of African, Taíno, and Spanish inspiration. This blend encompasses almost every facet of Puerto Rican life: rich cuisine, colorful arts and crafts, lively music, and customary traditions. Enjoy this week’s installment of Inspiration Friday ~ Puerto Rico

Culture

As a perpetual traveler I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing many cultures and one that’s close to home for me is the Spanish culture. Tourists will experience rich diversity everywhere they look, listen, and eat while visiting Puerto Rico. With museums featuring both European and Afro-Caribbean art the variety is endless. Buildings blend old-style colonial with vibrant colors. Music combines instruments, rhythms and sounds from 18th century West Africa and medieval Spain.

Puerto Rico’s yearly cultural events are must see activities for any visitor. Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián marks the end of Christmas in the winter and the Heineken JazzFest brings together international Latin jazz stars that welcomes in the spring. Whatever the reason for your visit Puerto Rico’s culture will mesmerize and entice you.

Cuisine

Puerto Rico is home to unique and amazing food. Don’t visit this beautiful destination unless you try Mofongo, Asopao, and Lechón. If you believe that a culture is best known through its food, you’re in for the treat of a lifetime.

The island is a magnet for foodies; it’s grown into the gastronomic capital of the Caribbean. World-class chefs operate and oversee the kitchens in San Juan, while internationally renowned chefs have brought their brands to the island.

Puerto Rico’s culinary traditions cover centuries and combines Taíno, Spanish and African cultures, recipes and ingredients. These tastes have been combined with flavors from around the world to produce some of the best mouth-watering fusion creations. From gourmet fine dining to street food, visitors will love discovering menus and the many tastes of this beautiful tropical island.

Historical Sites

Puerto Rico’s oldest structures aren’t just historic, as one of the earliest Spanish settlements in the New World, many of them are among the first of their kind built in the Western Hemisphere.

Music

Although other cultures have also interjected their influences into Puerto Rico’s rich musical traditions, the defining feature of Puerto Rican lies on its percussion. No visit is complete without visiting one of the many places to listen to local talent or join in a spontaneous dance in the street!

Beaches

Puerto Rico is surrounded by more than 270 miles of gorgeous shoreline. There’s an endless number of activities you can do under the sun. From world-class surfing to enjoying the miles of reefs with the plethora of marine life water sports enthusiast will never be bored.

Of course there’s nothing wrong with simply relaxing and taking in the endless powdery white sand beaches and turquoise water. Many of the beaches surrounding Puerto Rico have been awarded as some of the best in the world. They make remarkable backdrops for destination weddings and romantic honeymoons.

Nature

The smallest of the Greater Antilles, Puerto Rico is a hit with bird lovers. Nature sites like El Yunque National Forest, Cabo Rojo, Guanica Dry Forest, and Humacao Nature Reserve are home to over 300 species of birds, 17 of which are recognized as endemic. The subtropical rainforests, protected biospheres, salt flats, and secluded islets is the perfect place for any bird to call home.

Nightlife

When the sun goes down Puerto Rico becomes a unique and entertaining playground.

San Juan is teeming with clubs that have everything from live salsa to some of the best DJs in the Caribbean. Or you can sit and enjoy cocktails made with the best rum in the world. Of course the casinos are always open when you feel lucky!

RUM!

Whether you drink alcohol or not do not miss the chance to discover the history of Bacardi, the world’s most famous spirits company, take the 5-hour tour of Casa Bacardi, and visit historic Old San Juan. Step inside the world’s largest rum distillery for a handmade mixture and a tour of the company’s history. After enjoying the afternoon learning about rum you’ll visit Old San Juan to see the El Morro and San Cristobal forts, which include panoramic views of San Juan Bay.

My family is from Puerto Rico and I never tire of visiting it. I find something new to see each time and would recommend a visit to anyone who loves Spanish culture, cuisine, music, and dancing. I hope you enjoyed this week’s installment of Inspiration Friday ~ Puerto Rico.

Have you ever been to Puerto Rico? Would you like to go? Share your experiences with us!