Cultural Geography

Puerto Rico’s cultural geography reflects its unique combination of Spanish and African influences, shaped by its history and tropical island location in the Caribbean. Its mountainous terrain and beautiful rainforests, like El Yunque, inspire festivals and traditions that honor nature. For example, the City of El Yunque carnival features traditional elements (Rio Grande Carnival: Carnaval ciudad de el yunque, 2024) such as live music, parades, and masked characters representing Puerto Rican folklore. As for African heritage, Bomba is an Afro-Caribbean music and dance form that originated in Puerto Rico from African influences. The dancer and drummer interact during the dance, (Hicks, 2021) and the dancer’s movements determine the beat. Religion is central to Puerto Rican culture, with Catholicism as the dominant faith, shaping traditions, festivals, and historic architecture. The island’s history of immigration (Roy, 2024) and the contributions of different ethnic groups are reflected in its cultural diversity. Puerto Rico welcomes tourists to experience its rich traditions, vibrant culture, and the lively spirit that defines the island.