Celebrating Puerto Ricans Past and Present
Here in Coqui the Chef’s home of New York City, November is Puerto Rican Heritage Month! In 1998, in collaboration with Comité Noviembre, then-mayor Rudy Guliani declared it an official city celebration. And we’ve been spending the eleventh month of the year remembering, celebrating, and honoring our heritage ever since!
As we all enter this busy season of holiday preparations, let’s take time to reflect on the incredible ways Puerto Ricans have enriched U.S. history and culture since becoming a territory over a century ago. The rich legacy of the indigenous TaÍno, combined with European, African, and American influences, has shaped the Puerto Rican people into a vibrant, resilient community.
The impact of Puerto Ricans can be traced through every aspect of American culture. From inspirational freedom fighters like Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos and Román Balidoriority de Castro to writers like Alejandro Tapia y Rivera and Dávila Virgilio, artists José Campeche and Miguel Pou, to performers like Ricky Martin, Rita Moreno, and Jennifer Lopez.
In addition to these names that are well-represented in history books, top-ten charts, and museums, there are countless Puerto Ricans making significant contributions to our country each day. In our podcast, More Than Rice and Beans, we’ve made it our mission to highlight some of these amazing people.
"The rich legacy of the indigenous TaÍno, combined with European, African, and American influences, has shaped the Puerto Rican people into a vibrant, resilient community."
Check Out These Amazing Puerto Rican Stories
Tito Puente Jr. is continuing his father’s legacy of bringing Latin music and joy to the world. Listen to our conversation with Tito, where we talk about everything from favorite foods to the influence of PR on world music, here.
Did you know that sculptor Dave Cortes, the mastermind behind Brooklyn’s bronze Captain America statue, is Nuyorican? He’s spent over two decades bringing characters to life in action-figure form for companies like DC Comics and Sideshow Toys. Learn more about Dave’s experience as an artist here.
Author Ed Rodriguez was so inspired by his childhood visits to Puerto Rico that he created the literary world of Kiki Koki based on the legend of the coqui frog! We chatted with Ed about his time as a Walt Disney Creative Director, sharing his Puerto Rican heritage with his children, and more here.
Puerto Ricans are influential in the food world, too. (But if you’re a Coqui fan you already know that!) Mofon-GO changed the New York food scene when Manolo Lopez opened his one-dish pop-up restaurant in Willamsburg, Brooklyn. He joined us to talk about his success, why he sold his entire operation to help Puerto Rico, and what he’s up to now here.
These are just a few examples of the Puerto Ricans who continue to celebrate their heritage while innovating on every front! I hope you’ll spend some time getting to know them this November. For more information on Puerto Rican Heritage Month celebrations in New York City, check out the Comité Noviembre website.
Hispanic Heritage Month was created to spread awareness and promote Spanish history and culture in effort to help keep it alive! It is a time to learn, create, and appreciate the rich histories of our ancestors and celebrate the diverse cultures throughout the Spanish community!
Citrus fruit is essential behind the bar. Limes and lemons are critical in making exciting libations, such as the margarita, daiquiri, whiskey sour and many others. Here are some tips to make the most out of your citrus fruit when drink-mixing.
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Celebrate paella day on March 27! Paella isn’t just a dish; it’s a slice of Spanish history served on a plate.
Uncover the exceptional quality & unique flavors of Spanish wines.
From red to white wines, indulge in a tasting adventure that will delight your palate.
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