Welcome to a new corner of Platea, Primera Persona. In this section, we explore reflections deeply connected to Puerto Rico, the kind that give you a warm feeling in your chest. This first column is by Daliana Alvarado, a Puerto Rican creative, communicator, cultural organizer and co-creator of the cultural blog Con Sabor Coco.
For someone who is not from here, talking about Puerto Rico can call to mind the typical Caribbean postcard: blue sky blending into green palm groves, bright sand and paradise beaches. And while yes, we are a Caribbean paradise, Puerto Rico is much more than that. There are intangible things that represent us as much as, or more than, what brings many people here.
Puerto Rico has been key to how the world perceives Latin and Caribbean culture. The 9 million Puerto Ricans, both on and off the Island, know it clearly: there may be many islands, but none like our archipelago.
Our people, our greatest asset and resource, show their vibrant spirit and their ability to express themselves through art, both within and beyond our shores. I've heard it said: "lift a rock and out comes pure talent."
We stand out in many areas, but when it comes to music, film, literature and gastronomy, to name just a few, Puerto Ricans have distinguished themselves and served as ambassadors of our culture around the world.
Nothing illustrates our energy, our sounds and our culture quite like the Puerto Rican parade in New York City. New York, that great city that has been home to so many Puerto Ricans who have represented us, and in such remarkable ways.
Take actress Rita Moreno, who over the course of her career has earned the EGOT distinction, winning the four most prestigious awards in the arts: Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony. Or Benicio del Toro, who has earned international recognition for work in productions that address themes of identity and social struggle.
Or Ismael Cruz Córdoba, the actor from Caguas who is currently part of the cast of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. Or Ángel Manuel Soto, a filmmaker making his way in Hollywood with his recent film Blue Beetle.
And when it comes to music, Puerto Rico is the birthplace of great composers, singers and musicians. You know how it is, that's our thing. Every day there is a musical offering on stages of every size across the Island.
From the creation of genres like salsa and reggaeton, we are a breeding ground for musical innovation. There are many artists I could mention, but in terms of global reach, no one has had an impact as significant as Bad Bunny in urban music.
With his innovative style and his ability to blend genres, Benito Martínez from Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, has reshaped urban music. His authenticity and connection with his audience have made him a cultural icon, not only in Puerto Rico but around the world. And his love for the archipelago has led him to raise our flag and tell our truths.
And that impact is real. So much so that La Real Academia Española included the term "perreo" in an update to the Diccionario de la Lengua Española. Perreo: A dance performed generally to reggaeton rhythms, with erotic hip movements.
Bad Bunny music video, “Yo Perreo Sola”.
I know you know what it means, and it doesn't matter how you dance it or whether you dance it at all. What matters here is that our people and their creations are changing the way we communicate. That's language: changing, diverse and dynamic.
Today, Puerto Rico remains a beacon of creativity and innovation. "Creativity is the best way to understand Puerto Rican talent. We are not only talking about a $3,000 million annual economy, but about being the birthplace of artists who for decades have led trends and the industry at a global level.
Music is a reflection of the great cultural richness of this country and of how the world has recognized it," says Javier Hernández, Dean of the School of Arts, Design and Creative Industries at Universidad del Sagrado Corazón.
Puerto Rico's cultural and musical contributions to the world are vast and diverse. From poetry and film to music and the visual arts, Puerto Ricans have demonstrated their capacity to influence and enrich the global cultural landscape.
As new generations of artists continue to explore and push the boundaries of creativity, it is clear that Puerto Rican culture will keep leaving its mark on the world for a long time to come. The world would not be the same without Puerto Ricans.
This content was translated with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
