Banco Popular musical special: a legacy of tradition and music in Puerto Rico

Learn about the origin, history and some of the most notable productions in this collection, which has run without interruption since 1993.

To mark its centennial, Banco Popular began, in 1993, its tradition of producing annual musical productions that preserve traditions in Puerto Rico and Latin America, while also supporting new talent in music and production.

The initiative was inspired by a musical special that the country's largest bank produced in 1965, as a tribute to Rafael Hernández Marín.

Twenty-eight years later, the specials were revived with a landmark production titled "Un Pueblo que Canta," which featured songs such as Somos un solo pueblo, Canta, Alondra de los bosques and Verde Luz.

Since that production, Banco Popular has consecutively released specials that capture the musical and artistic legacy as part of Puerto Rico's cultural evolution. They have also become the Island's welcome to the Christmas season.

¡Llegó la Navidad!🎄 — Your holiday guide

This year, the special "Lo que nos une" presents music as a unifying force that Puerto Ricans, both on the Island and in the diaspora, can identify with. Beyond the memories its music evokes, the landscapes shown will stir nostalgia in those living in the diaspora.

"In Puerto Rico, we are one big family. Look at how we celebrate, especially at Christmas. Music is something that brings us together, and I think that's what we're trying to show in the show," said, in a special episode of the podcast Punto Aparte, Ignacio Álvarez, chief executive officer of Popular Inc.

This production brings together a new generation of performers and well-known artists including Danny Rivera, Wisin, Chuwi, Charlie Aponte, Melina León, Gale, Pedro Capó, Los Rivera Destino, Miley Burgos, Julio César Sanabria, Ana Isabelle, Chabela, Andrea Cruz, Moncho Rivera, Daymé Arocena, Ángel "Papote" Alvarado and Grupo Esencia, Brendaly Rivera, and others.

💡 When and where does the "Lo que nos une" special air?

It will air Sunday, Dec. 1 at 8:00 p.m. on Puerto Rico's main television channels and for 24 hours at popular.com.
You can watch it at Distrito T-Mobile. There will be activities before the special airs at 8:00 p.m. on a big screen, including a show by Populoso y el Trotamundos at 3:00 p.m., los Rivera Destino at 6:00 p.m. and Melina León at 7:00 p.m.

Álvarez said he feels "very proud" because the special has served as a platform for young people to showcase their musical talent.

He also noted that it represents an "significant" budget for production companies on the Island. "They always count on us. This is a world class production right here in Puerto Rico," he said.

💡 You may also like:

What is your favorite special?

For the chief executive officer, his favorite special is Romance del Cumbanchero (1998), because Marc Anthony sang a version of "Preciosa," by Rafael Hernández Marín, with arrangements by composer Ángel "Cucco" Peña.

Below are some of the most recognized Banco Popular specials:

1. La Música de Rafael Hernández, 1965

This special was a tribute to Rafael Hernández Marín. Also known as El Jibarito, he was recognized worldwide as one of the great composers, celebrated for his boleros and plenas. A second special was also dedicated to him in 1998, titled Romance del Cumbanchero, la música de Rafael Hernández.

2. Raíces, 2001

This production was dedicated to the genres of bomba and plena. It also highlighted how modern music has been influenced by these styles. The special featured songs such as Mañana por la mañana, La plena que yo conozco, A los boricuas ausentes, among others.

3. Encuentro, 2002

It brings together three internationally acclaimed singer-songwriters, Juan Luis Guerra, Rubén Blades and Robi "Draco" Rosa, in a special that revisited songs about the social realities of their homelands and the love present in their lives.

4. Salsa: Un homenaje a El Gran Combo, 2010

This production pays tribute to the Universidad de la Salsa, as this group, one of the most recognized in Latin America, is known.

5. ¡Sonó,Sonó… Tite Curet!, 2011

This special, which pays tribute to Puerto Rican composer Catalino "Tite" Curet Alonso, won two Emmy Awards in 2012 for cinematography and cultural documentary.