Puerto Rico was settled by a succession of peoples beginning 2,000 to 4,000 years ago; these included the
Ortoiroid,
Saladoid, and
Taíno. It was then colonized by
Spain in 1493 following the arrival of
Christopher Columbus. Puerto Rico was contested by other European
powers, but remained a Spanish possession for the next four centuries. An influx of
African slaves and settlers primarily from the
Canary Islands and
Andalusia vastly changed the cultural and demographic landscape of the island. Within the
Spanish Empire, Puerto Rico played a secondary but strategic role compared to wealthier colonies like
Peru and
New Spain. By the late 19th century, a distinct Puerto Rican identity began to emerge, centered around a fusion of indigenous, African, and European elements. In 1898, following the
Spanish–American War, Puerto Rico was
acquired by the United States.
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Image 1
"Imagíname Sin Ti" is a song by Puerto Rican singer
Luis Fonsi from his second studio album, Eterno (2000). The song was written by
Rudy Pérez and Mark Portmann, with the former handling its production. It is an
R&B-tinged
ballad about the singer moving away from his lover and realizing he cannot live without her. Fonsi also recorded an English-language version of the song titled "Imagine Me Without You", which was produced by Veit Renn. The accompanying
music video for the Spanish version was filmed by Marlene Salomé and filmed in Venezuela.
The cathedral has a history that dates to 1670. It has been damaged several times by fires and earthquakes. It stands out among Puerto Rico's other four cathedrals for its intricate design. It has a large pipe organ that was played by
danza master and composer
Juan Morel Campos. Architecturally, it is designed in the neoclassical style. Structurally, it follows a cruciform plan, with a large dome at the
crossing. The interior consists of a main nave and two large aisles separated by a series of eight arcades. There are two small chapels in its interior. Two three-story square towers decorate the front facade.[citation needed] (Full article...)
Puerto Rican recording artist
Ricky Martin has released ten
studio albums, seven
compilation albums, two
live albums, one
soundtrack album and four
box sets. Martin has sold over 70 million records, making him one of the best-selling Latin music artists of all time. His
self-titled debut studio album was released in November 1991 by
Sony Discos. Two years later,
Columbia Records released Martin's second studio album, Me Amaras. Despite both albums failing to achieve a significant commercial success, they pushed Martin towards superstar status in many Latin American countries. His third studio album, A Medio Vivir, was released in September 1995 by
Sony Latin. The album features a "harder rock edge style" than his previous efforts, while being mixed with
Latin references such as
flamenco and
cumbia. A Medio Vivir charted in several countries and peaked at number seven in Spain and number 11 on the US
Latin Albums chart.
In 1998, Martin released his fourth studio album, Vuelve, which became his first record to chart on the US
Billboard 200 chart, peaking at number 40; it became the highest-selling Latin album of 1999 and is the tenth
bestselling Latin album of all-time in the country . Additionally, it peaked at number one on the US Latin Albums chart and in Spain, where it was certified six-times platinum by
Promusicae. He released his fifth studio and
second eponymous album in 1999; it was a commercial success reaching number one in Australia, Finland, Spain and in the United States, and number two in the United Kingdom. It was certified seven-times platinum by the
Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), denoting shipments of over seven million copies in the United States. As of April 2011, Ricky Martin has sold over 15 million copies worldwide, making it his best selling-album. (Full article...)
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Coat of arms
The 65th Infantry Regiment, nicknamed "The Borinqueneers" during the
Korean War for the original
Arawak Indian name for
Puerto Rico (Borinquen), is a
Puerto Rican regiment of the
United States Army. The regiment's motto is Honor et Fidelitas, Latin for Honor and Fidelity. The Army Appropriation Bill created by an act of
Congress on 2 March 1899 authorized the creation of the first body of native troops in Puerto Rico. On 30 June 1901, the "Porto Rico Provisional Regiment of Infantry" was organized. On 1 July 1908, Congress incorporated the regiment into the Regular Army as the Puerto Rico Regiment of Infantry, United States Army. On 14 May 1917, the regiment was activated and additional men were assigned, with the unit being sent to serve at Panama. On 4 June 1920, the regiment was renamed 65th Infantry. During World War II, the regiment saw action throughout Europe, especially France and Germany, participating in Naples-Foggia, Rome-Arno and Rhin. Several Purple Hearts were awarded posthumously to members of the 65th Regiment.
Tropical Storm Dean south of
Nova Scotia on August 27
Tropical Storm Dean was a strong tropical storm that affected at least twelve islands along its path from the tropical
Atlantic Ocean to east of
Atlantic Canada in August 2001. Dean developed from a
tropical wave on August 22 over the
Lesser Antilles, and was initially predicted to intensify further to reach hurricane status. However, strong
wind shear quickly weakened Dean to cause it to dissipate on August 23. The remnants turned northward, and redeveloped on August 26 to the north of
Bermuda. Located over warm waters and in an area of favorable conditions, Dean steadily strengthened while moving to the northeast, and peaked just below hurricane status on August 27 about 465 miles (748 km) southwest of
Newfoundland. The storm subsequently weakened over cooler waters, and became
extratropical on August 28.
The precursor tropical wave dropped heavy rainfall and produced moderate winds throughout the
Lesser Antilles, though no serious damage was reported. In
Puerto Rico, rainfall of up to 12.7 inches (320 mm) produced widespread flooding across the island. Thousands were left without power or water, and two houses lost their roofs from the storm. The passage of Dean resulted in $7.7 million (2001 USD, $9.4 million 2008 USD) in damage in Puerto Rico. The storm produced light to moderate rainfall in
Bermuda and later in
Newfoundland, though no damage was reported. (Full article...)
In 1887, Muñoz Rivera became part of the leadership of a newly formed Autonomist Party. In 1889, he successfully ran a campaign for the position of delegate in the district of
Caguas. Subsequently, Muñoz Rivera was a member of a group organized by the party to discuss proposals of autonomy with
Práxedes Mateo Sagasta, who would grant Puerto Rico an autonomous government following his election. He served as Chief of the Cabinet of this government. (Full article...)
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The currencies of Puerto Rico closely follow the historic development of
Puerto Rico. As a Province of
Spain (Autonomous Community) and a
territory of the
United States, Puerto Rico was granted the use of both foreign and provincial currencies. Following the
Spanish colonization in 1508, Puerto Rico became an important port, with its own supply of gold. However, as the mineral reserves ran empty within the century, the archipelago's economy suffered. The
Spanish Crown issued the Situado Mexicano, which meant that a semi-regular shipment of gold from the
Viceroyalty of New Spain would be sent to the island, as a way to provide economic support. Between 1636 and 1637,
Philip IV of Spain imposed a tax which had to be paid using a
revenue stamp. Inspired by this, Puerto Rico began producing
banknotes in 1766, becoming the first Overseas Province to print 8-real banknotes in the Spanish Empire and which in the Spanish government's approval of subsequent issues.
The situado was discontinued during the 19th century, creating an economic crisis, as a result of
Mexico gaining its independence from Spain.
Salvador Meléndez Bruna, the colonial governor in office, ordered the issue of provincial banknotes, creating the Puerto Rican peso. However, printing of these banknotes ceased after 1815. During the following decades, foreign
coins became the widespread currency. In the 1860s and 1870s, banknotes reemerged. On February 1, 1890, the Banco Español de Puerto Rico was inaugurated and began issuing banknotes. The bank designed four series and placed three in circulation under Spanish rule. In 1895, a Royal
Decree ordered the production of provincial peso coins. (Full article...)
Image 8
Monument of Roberto Cofresí located in
Boquerón Bay.
Roberto Cofresí y Ramírez de Arellano[a] (June 17, 1791 – March 29, 1825), better known as Pirata Cofresí, was a pirate from
Puerto Rico. He was born into a noble family, but the political and economic difficulties faced by the island as a possession of the
Spanish Empire during the
Latin American wars of independence meant that his household was poor. Cofresí worked at sea from an early age which familiarized him with the region's geography, but it provided only a modest salary, and he eventually decided to abandon the sailor's life and became a pirate. He had previous links to land-based criminal activities, but the reason for Cofresí's change of vocation is unknown; historians speculate that he may have worked as a privateer aboard El Scipión, a ship owned by one of his cousins.
At the height of his career, Cofresí evaded capture by vessels from Spain,
Gran Colombia, the United Kingdom, Denmark, France, and the United States. He commanded several small-draft vessels, the best known a fast six-gun
sloop named Anne, and he had a preference for speed and maneuverability over firepower. He manned them with small, rotating crews which most contemporaneous documents numbered at 10 to 20. He preferred to outrun his pursuers, but his flotilla engaged the
West Indies Squadron twice, attacking the schooners
USS Grampus and
USS Beagle. Most crew members were recruited locally, although men occasionally joined them from the other
Antilles,
Central America, and Europe. He never confessed to murder, but he reportedly boasted about his crimes, and 300 to 400 people died as a result of his pillaging, mostly foreigners. (Full article...)
Barrio Fino (Spanish pronunciation:[ˈbarjoˈfino]; English: "Fine 'Hood") is the third
studio album by Puerto Rican rapper
Daddy Yankee, released on July 13, 2004, in the United States by
VI Music and
El Cartel Records and internationally by
Machete Music and
Polydor Records. Released two years after his previous studio album, El Cangri.com (2002), the album was recorded in Puerto Rico between 2003 and 2004. It explores themes ranging from dance, sex, romance,
introspection, and
protest against
political corruption and
violence against women. Barrio Fino was instrumental in popularizing
reggaeton in the mainstream market, enhancing Daddy Yankee's career, as well as cementing his status as one of the most successful Latin artists of the 2000s. [vague] The album is reported to have sold over 8 million copies in the world.
Daddy Yankee wrote all the tracks, with co-writing credits on seven, and is credited as executive producer. Four of the 21 songs were released as singles. The first single, "
Gasolina", charted within the top 10 in Denmark, Italy, Norway, Ireland, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Austria, while "
Lo Que Pasó, Pasó" peaked at number two on the US
Hot Latin Songs chart. Barrio Fino reached number one on the US
Tropical Albums and the
Top Latin Albums charts. It became the first reggaeton recording to debut and peak atop the latter chart. It ranked within the top 30 in the
United States, Portugal, Switzerland and Spain. (Full article...)
Image 11
El Mesías in August 2012
Gilbert Cosme Ramírez (born May 25, 1976) is a
Puerto Ricanprofessional wrestler, better known by his
ring namesEl Mesías, Mil Muertes, Ricky Banderas and King Muertes. He began his career in the
International Wrestling Association based in Puerto Rico. While performing in the company, he won the
IWA World Heavyweight Championship on five instances and held minor championships on fifteen separate occasions, before leaving the company in 2006. On March 12, 2006, he debuted in
Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide (AAA), a promotion based in
Mexico, as a character named Muerte Cibernetica and was involved in an
angle where this character was "killed". In November 2006, Cosme was involved in the tapings of the
Wrestling Society X television series, where he was the second and last wrestler to win the
WSX Championship.
Following a month of performing in the International Wrestling Association, Cosme returned to AAA in a special event presented by the company, this time under the ring name of El Mesías. In September 2007, the company organized a unification tournament where all of the champions and first contenders participated. Over the course of the tournament, he won the GPCW Super-X Monster Championship and IWC World Heavyweight Championship, and on the tournament's finale, he became the first wrestler to win the
AAA Mega Championship. While working in Mexico, Cosme signed a contract with
Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) where he debuted as Judas Mesias on September 13, 2007. In March 2008 his association with TNA came to an end and he focused most of his time on AAA. In 2010 Cosme debuted for Puerto Rican
World Wrestling Council, where he won the
Universal Heavyweight Championship. He also wrestled in
Lucha Underground under the ring name Mil Muertes. (Full article...)
Image 12
Todo a Su Tiempo (English: All in Due Time) is the second studio album by American recording artist
Marc Anthony, released by
RMM Records on May 31, 1995. The album was produced by
Sergio George, who was also involved with production of Anthony's debut studio album, Otra Nota. The album comprises five new compositions, three of which were written by
Omar Alfanno, and four
cover versions. Eight singles were released from the album, all but one of which topped the
Billboard Tropical Songs chart.
"Qué Rico Fuera" (
transl. "How Sweet It Would Be") is a song recorded by Puerto Rican singer
Ricky Martin and Chilean-American singer
Paloma Mami. The song was written by Martin, Mami, Kevyn Mauricio Cruz, Juan Camilo Vargas, and Wissem Larfaoui, while the production was handled by Vargas, Cruz, and Larfaoui. It was released for
digital download and
streaming by
Sony Music Latin on June 10, 2021. A primarily Spanish language
urban pop,
Afro-Latin, and
Latin pop song, its lyrics are sensual and flirty.
"Qué Rico Fuera" received widely positive reviews from
music critics, who complimented its fusion of sounds. It was nominated for International Collaboration of the Year at the 2021 Premios MUSA. The song was commercially successful in Latin America, reaching number one in Chile, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, and Uruguay, as well as the top 10 in Argentina and El Salvador, and Billboard's
Latin Pop Airplay in the United States. It also became Mami's first entry on the BillboardLatin Airplay, Latin Pop Airplay,
Latin Digital Song Sales,
Argentina Hot 100, and
Mexico Airplay charts. (Full article...)
The album was well received by critics who complimented George's production and Anthony's youthful voice. Anthony received two awards for "Best New Artists" at the
Billboard Latin Music Awards and the
Lo Nuestro Awards. The album produced three singles: "Hasta Que Te Conocí", "Palabras del Alma", and "Si Tú No Te Fueras", all of which charted on the
Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart. As of 2002, Otra Nota has sold over 300,000 copies. (Full article...)
Image 15
Map of the Puerto Rico campaign illustrating operations July 25 – August 12, 1898, and showing
municipality borders in 1898. Blue are US Naval forces, red are US land forces, and green are Spanish ground forces. Map of Puerto Rico under the US and Spanish flags from August 14 til September 19, 1898. The 23 blue-colored municipalities were under the US flag and the 55 yellow-colored municipalities were under the Spanish flag (Full article...)
After the death of
Agüeybaná I, the
Taínohigh chief who struck the initial peace agreement with Spanish
conquistadorJuan Ponce de León in 1508,
Agüeybaná II rose to power. Beginning his reign amidst native dissatisfaction with the encomiendas system and the acquisition of land territory that his predecessor allowed, the new leader soon formed a coalition that included several southern
caciques, such as
Urayoán, Coxiguex, Yauco,
Jumacao, Loquillo, Orocobix, Guayama, and "Luis" among several others, and declared war on the European settlers. The first act of war carried out by the Taínos was the execution of Cristóbal de Sotomayor, a high-ranking Spanish officer, and the burning of his settlement. From this point onward, the conflict took place in stages, the first being an open confrontation where both sides clashed. Two such confrontations took place in 1511 with the Spaniards, led by Ponce de León, winning the initial confrontations despite the numeric advantage of the Taínos. (Full article...)
Mendez grew up during a time when most southern and southwestern schools were
segregated. In the case of California, Hispanics were not allowed to attend schools that were designated for "Whites" only and were sent to the so-called "Mexican schools." Mendez was denied enrollment to a "Whites" only school, an event which prompted her parents to take action and together organized various sectors of the Hispanic community who filed a lawsuit in the local federal court. The success of their action, of which Sylvia was the principal catalyst, would eventually bring to an end the era of segregated education. (Full article...)
... that after the
Spanish–American War and up to 1904, Puerto Ricans were considered as "aliens" in the United States?[1]
... that the public display of the Puerto Rican Flag was once considered a felony (from 1892 to 1954) and that anyone who did so could end up in jail?
... that in 1906, Theodore Roosevelt, the first US President to travel outside the United States, made a stop in Puerto Rico (thus, becoming the first president to visit the island) and that he stayed overnight in Ponce?[2]
... that in 1914, the Revenue Cutter USS Algonquin (1897), which was stationed in the Caribbean, set sail with a crew of fifteen Hispanic-Americans (a fourth of the cutter's complement) to San Juan, Puerto Rico to assist the Puerto Ricans battling fires that threatened to destroy parts of that city? In 1915, the City of San Juan, Puerto Rico, paid tribute to the crew of the cutter Algonquin and presented them with an Official Resolution of Thanks.[3]
... that in 1948, Luis Muñoz Marín presided over the Puerto Rican legislature which was controlled by the PPD and that they approved the infamous "Ley de la Mordaza" known as Puerto Rico's Gag Law and that it became law with the signature of the United States-appointed governor Jesús T. Piñero? Did you also know that the law made it a crime to own or display a Puerto Rican flag, to sing a patriotic tune, to speak or write of independence, or to meet with anyone, or hold any assembly, with regard to the political status of Puerto Rico, violating the First Amendment of the
US Constitution?[7]
Image 5An 1899, caricature by
Louis Dalrymple (1866–1905), showing Uncle Sam harshly lecturing four black children labelled Philippines, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and Cuba (from History of Puerto Rico)
Image 6'La escuelo del Maestro Cordero' by Puerto Rican artist Francisco Oller. (from Culture of Puerto Rico)
Image 9El Imparcial headline: "Aviation (US) bombs Utuado" during Nationalist revolts. (from History of Puerto Rico)
Image 10The first Supreme Court of Puerto Rico, established in 1900. (from History of Puerto Rico)
Image 11The original Lares revolutionary flag. The first "Puerto Rican Flag" used in the unsuccessful Grito de Lares (Lares Uprising). (from History of Puerto Rico)
Image 12Royal Cédula of Graces, 1815, which granted legal entry of some foreigners to Puerto Rico. (from History of Puerto Rico)
Image 13Flag flown by Fidel Vélez and his men during the "Intentona de Yauco" revolt. (from History of Puerto Rico)
Image 14Los Reyes Magos painted by Hipolito Marte Martinez, "In Puerto Rico, Melchior is always represented with dark skin" (from Culture of Puerto Rico)
Image 17Sugar cane workers resting at the noon hour,
Rio Piedras. Photograph by
Jack Delano, a photographer for the Farm Security Administration. Ca. 1941. (from History of Puerto Rico)
Image 18"El desastre es la colonia" (the disaster is the colony), words seen on light meter six months after
Hurricane Maria (from Culture of Puerto Rico)
Image 21Hurricanes
Irma and
Maria sharply reduced the availability of electricity throughout the island (from History of Puerto Rico)
Image 22The 45-star flag, used by the United States during the invasion of Puerto Rico, was also the official flag of Puerto Rico from 1899 to 1908. (from History of Puerto Rico)
Image 23Raising the US Flag over San Juan, October 18, 1898. (from History of Puerto Rico)
Image 24US and Puerto Rico flags on a building in Puerto Rico (from Culture of Puerto Rico)
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