Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
as the town's African heritage,
with processions featuring
masked figures called
vejigantes
and
bomba
dancers performing
to an Afro-Caribbean rhythm.
d
Late Jul
Top 10 Local
Customs
!
Politeness
Old-fashioned Hispanic
courtesy is important,
especially greeting people
with formalities when
introduced or entering a room.
@
Dress
*
Carnaval Ponceño
Many Puerto Rican towns
organize some sort of carnival in
the last week of February, but
Ponce has the island's liveliest
one.
Vejigantes
parade around,
hitting people with
vejigas
(brightly painted balloons or dried
pigs' bladders), while merry-
makers enjoy live music and
revelry in the streets.
d
End of Feb
Scruffiness is not
appreciated. Even less well-
to-do locals make an effort to
dress as smartly as possible.
£
Hurrying
Not a Puerto Rican trait,
and locals appreciate foreign-
ers who know how to relax.
$
Machismo
Totally ingrained among
local men, who like to flirt but
expect their own women to
be demure
(see p103)
.
%
Jokes
Puerto Ricans like to joke
and also often make fun of
unusual physical traits, but
rarely with malice.
^
The Church
A large majority of Puerto
Ricans are Catholic, although
few attend church regularly.
&
Siestas
Carnaval Ponceño performers
(
Eugenio María de
Elderly people and
country folk like an afternoon
nap, although offices and
businesses stay open all day.
*
Politics
Hostos Day
The birthdate of the 19th-century
educator, philosopher, and
nationalist Eugenio María de
Hostos is a national holiday.
Families flock to the beach to
relax and party. The town of
Mayagüez, his birthplace, has a
special ceremony.
d
2nd Mon of Jan
)
Puerto Rico Discovery Day
Party rivalry is keen and
partisan positions are sharply
defended. Avoid raising the
issue of independence.
(
Punctuality
While buses, ferries, and
tours normally leave on time,
punctuality is less important
at social gatherings.
)
Santería
Puerto Ricans commemorate
the “discovery” of Borinquén in
1493 by Christopher Columbus
on “El Dia de Descubrimiento.”
Parties take place on all of
Puerto Rico's beaches at this
time.
d
Nov 19
The majority of Puerto
Ricans put their faith in saints
to whom they pray, even if
they don't always admit it.
43
For more on Puerto Rico's history
See pp30-31.
