Living in Puerto Rico feels like being on an endless summer vacation, but it’s not a vacation; it’s just life. In Puerto Rico, the sun hits different, and even a random Tuesday in the middle of December can end up being a beautiful beach day. You grow up surrounded by warmth, not just from the weather, but from the people as well. There’s always music playing somewhere, neighbors talking outside, and everyone enjoys almost the same things.
The typical weekend plans all year round will be at the beach. It doesn’t even have to be a big plan. Someone might say the day of or a day before, “Vamos pa’ la playa,” and suddenly coolers are packed with drinks, snacks, and speakers, and the whole family is on the way, whether by car or by boat. My family’s favorite will always be Crash Boat in Aguadilla, so you’ll most likely find us there, but the beach options are infinite, and you might even find some hidden spots that barely anyone knows about. In Puerto Rico, the beach is where memories are made, dominoes are being scrambled on a folding table, kids are running in and out of the water, and someone is always grilling something. The beach is the place that unites all Puerto Ricans because no matter what part of the Island you’re from, the beach will certainly be your favorite place.
Family gatherings turn into full blown parties
One thing about Puerto Ricans is that there’s no such thing as a “small” family gathering. You might think you’re just going over for a quick birthday or a casual get-together, but it’ll most likely turn into a full party every single time. Music gets louder, more and more people start showing up, and suddenly the living room has turned into a club, and everyone is dancing and drinking Pitorro.
From a very young age, you get used to this rhythm. Anything is a reason to celebrate. As a kid, these nights are unforgettable; your parents would stay out late — like, very late — and you’d be exhausted, falling asleep on whatever chair, couch, or even floor you could find. You’d be half asleep waiting for your parents to get tired of dancing and chatting. That moment was even perfectly captured during Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl performance. It’s such a shared experience that any Puerto Rican would relate to it at some point in their lives.
And then there’s Christmas Eve. I remember being at parties on “Nochebuena” tired and so stressed out because I was convinced Santa Claus wouldn’t come to my house if I wasn’t in my bed asleep, and not just me, all of the kids would be doing the same. I’d beg my parents to leave, thinking I was risking all of my presents by not being asleep. Meanwhile, the parents kept partying like there was no tomorrow.
Food is the center of everything
If there’s one thing that defines Puerto Rican culture, it’s the food. Every celebration, no matter how small, is an excuse to cook like it’s the most important event of the year. I’m not talking about simple meals, I’m talking about ginormous amounts of arroz con gandules, pernil, pasteles, and all kinds of frituras, such as alcapurrias and bacalaítos.
The smell alone is enough to make you feel at home. It’s not just food, it’s tradition, love, and family. Everyone has their role in the kitchen, and recipes are passed down from generation to generation like important family heirlooms.
Now, being here at the University of Connecticut, I miss all of these things a lot. You don’t realize how special it is until it’s gone. There’s a Puerto Rican food place close to here called Mofongo, and I remember the first time I tried it, I automatically felt like a little piece of Puerto Rico was with me. It made me feel at home; that’s how important food is for us. I even dare say that food is probably the center of our culture.
the best parties in the world
Puerto Rican parties are on another level. It’s not just about having fun, it’s about the people that are there with you. Family, friends, neighbors, and sometimes even strangers all come together like they’ve known each other forever. There’s always music, salsa, reggaetón, and merengue, and nobody stays sitting down for a long time, not even the abuelitas.
Something that makes parties so much better and cultural is “la hora loca,” Puerto Ricans’ favorite hour during a party. Out of nowhere, the energy shifts, and suddenly pleneros — which are Puerto Rican musicians — are playing plena, handing out light sticks, masks, and so many fun props. The whole party transforms for that hour. Everyone is dancing, singing, and just enjoying that moment. It’s chaotic in the best way possible, and it’s something you don’t really see anywhere else.
Las fiestas de la calle san sebastian
Being Puerto Rican means growing up with the best, most traditional festival ever: Las Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastian. Every year, on the third weekend of January, Old San Juan turns into the biggest cultural celebration on the island. It’s basically the grand finale of Christmas because, yes, Puerto Rico celebrates the longest Christmas season ever.
During the day, families walk through the colorful streets, stopping at stands filled with frituras and handcrafted items from local artisans. There’s music everywhere, from traditional plena to live bands, and the entire atmosphere feels alive. You’re surrounded by history, culture, celebration, and so much Puerto Rican pride. It’s also a moment where all of your friends and family are in the same place, and you get to enjoy with everyone at the same time.
At night, it turns into a massive celebration. People from all over the island, and even tourists, come together and experience something unforgettable. If anyone ever gets the chance to go, they absolutely should. It’s not just a festival, it’s Puerto Rico in its purest form. For me, this festival holds something even more special because it’s my birthday weekend, and I think celebrating my birthday filled with family, friends, food, and Puerto Rican culture is the best way to celebrate.
More than a culture
Being Puerto Rican is more than just where you’re from; it’s how you live. It’s the way you greet people, the way you celebrate everything, and the way music and food are part of your daily life. It’s joy and community mixed into one.
Of course, I’m biased, but I truly believe it’s one of the best ways to grow up. I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. Even being away now, I carry it with me every day in the music I listen to, the food I crave constantly, and the memories that remind me of where I come from. At the end of the day, being Puerto Rican isn’t just something you are, it’s something you feel. There are endless more things I could say about why Puerto Rico is just the best place on earth.
I bet you can tell by now, but being Puerto Rican is my pride and joy.