Every July 25, Puerto Rico commemorates Constitution Day of the Commonwealth (ELA), a bilateral agreement with the United States that began taking shape in 1950 under Gov. Luis Muñoz Marín and was proclaimed in 1952.
The then-resident commissioner, Antonio Fernós, introduced a bill providing for "the organization of a Constitutional Government by the people of Puerto Rico."
The administration of President Harry S. Truman and the U.S. Congress approved it, and it subsequently became Law 600 on July 3, 1950.
Law 600 allowed the people of Puerto Rico to organize "a government based on a constitution adopted by themselves" that would include "a bill of rights."
On March 3, 1952, the new Constitution was put to the people for approval or rejection: 374,649 votes in favor and 82,923 against.
The Bill of Rights in the Constitution includes, for example, the dignity and equality of the human being, freedom of speech and of the press, and freedom of association.
Why July 25?
Since 1898, every July 25 "the American invasion had been officially commemorated," so Muñoz Marín aimed to "erase, as much as possible, the memory of undisguised colonialism," explains Francisco A. Scarano in his book Puerto Rico: Cinco siglos de historia.
With this date, they sought to mark a turning point in Puerto Rican history.
Other July 25ths in the Island's history
Although the ELA Constitution is celebrated on this holiday, there are other significant July 25ths in Puerto Rico's history.
Wilmer Jobeth Fernández, co-founder of the cultural project Salón Boricua, shared a historical timeline with Platea.
Fernández points out that the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) concluded that the massacre was an abuse of power by the insular police.
Fernández also notes that July 25 is the feast day of St. James the Apostle, a tradition rooted in Spanish heritage. He also points out that, by a margin of 30 minutes, the resignation of former Gov. Ricky Roselló during the Verano del 19 could have fallen on July 25, 2019.
Things to do and where to go on this holiday
This holiday lends itself well to a day of hanging out, family time, the beach, or even adventure.
We suggest using the day to head out on the chinchorreo (hopping between chinchorros) route in Guavate, the Reserva Natural Inés María Mendoza, where you can take in views of the Caribbean Sea, or visit one of the seven perfect beaches to escape and break from the routine.
Cover photo: benedek, Getty Images
This content was translated with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
