Art in Puerto Rico

Whether your style is contemporary, classic, urban, or full of history, Puerto Rico has works of art that will inspire you with the island’s distinct interpretation of Caribbean culture.

For a mix of old and new, the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico in San Juan’s artsy Santurce neighborhood features sculptures, paintings, and articles that date back to the 17th and 18th centuries. The sculpture garden outside the museum rivals the beauty of the works inside, including a koi pond and peaceful, park-like green space in the middle of the city. This museum is as much an architectural masterpiece as it is a collection of art.

A short walk from there is the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo, which should be on a list of must-sees for any art enthusiast visiting the island. Plan for a few hours to explore its modern video installations, mixed-media work, and architecture.

You’ll find another Museo de Arte in the southern city of Ponce as well, which is filled with works from Europe and the Americas. More classical styles live alongside the works of local artists inspired by Spanish, African, and Taíno roots, which imbues every piece with a unique sense of place.

But Puerto Rico’s art goes far beyond the walls of museums. Visitors will stumble across art wherever they go – with hundreds of square feet of murals plastered on bridges, buildings, and even parking spaces. Thought and painted by local and international artists, these urban pieces tell the story of Puerto Rico from different (and colorful) perspectives, brushing on socio-political subjects, as well as transformational. Although Santurce was the original canvas for this movement, the street art trend has taken over the island, with large-scale murals popping up in every corner.

Writer and Broadway star Lin-Manuel Miranda created an 8-chapter series to showcase what makes Puerto Rico unique. In this episode, he explores the island’s vibrantly diverse art scene – both inside and outside the walls.

WATCH THE COMPLETE SERIES HERE. 

Puerto Rico’s 500+ years of cultural heritage makes it pulse with artistic expression and inspiration. Puerto Rico’s museums are world-renowned, and so is its street art– from murals and sculptures to traditional crafts. Join Lin-Manuel as he shows you that Puerto Rico itself is a huge museum, indoors and outdoors, and the arts take center stage as the island’s biggest export.

Puerto Rican Cuban Festival 2021

PUERTO RICAN & CUBAN FESTIVAL 2021 PRESENTING SPONSORS: MICHELOB ULTRA | TELEMUNDO HOUSTON | ADVANTAGE BMW MIDTOWN

Date and time

Sat, October 23, 2021 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM MDT

Add to calendar

Location

Midtown Park 2811 Travis Street Houston, TX 77006 Our mission is to disseminate the Puerto Rican, Cuban Dominican Cultures within the City of Houston and it’s surrounding communities. We want to enlighten and educate the audience through dance, art, music and food. Our event supports and promotes other ethnic organizations and their mission, by providing a venue for unification for our Spanish Caribbean citizens and the general market. Most importantly, the PRC Festival empowers our youth to become accomplished, self-directed, and collaborative citizen who boldly contribute to an increasingly complex and evolving world by engaging in leadership roles, relevant experiences and building positive relationships while embracing the uniqueness of each individual. This festival is done annually to support the continuous efforts to disseminate the Puerto Rican and Cuban cultures within the city of Houston. We also want to teach our children about our roots, assisting them with their self-esteem, identity and letting them know that they have a strong support group. Additionally, we are educating the citizens of the City of Houston about who we are and asking them to embrace our cultures in a friendly and festive environment.

 

National Coquito Festival

A festive fusion of Coquito tastings made with rum. What better way to kick off the Holiday Season than by sipping on Puerto Rico's favorite holiday drink while in good company, enjoying parranda live music and sampling good eats!

NATIONAL COQUITO FESTIVAL

DECEMBER 4, 2021 6PM - 10PM The National Coquito Festival is an annual holiday fundraiser for PRAA. This event will be held, pending CDC in-person gathering guidelines.

Location

Puerto Rican Arts Alliance 3000 N. Elbridge Chicago, IL 60618 The Coquito has a rich tradition in Puerto Rico and is an important part of the holiday season, from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day. Cherished recipes are unique to each family and those recipes are proudly handed down generation to generation.

Coquito (small coconut) is a rich, creamy coconut-based holiday drink with Puerto Rican origins. It is generally made with coconut milk, coconut cream, sweet condensed milk, rum, cinnamon, vanilla and cloves. The National Coquito Festival, in keeping with the mission of PRAA, was established in 2018 to promote and preserve the heritage of this iconic drink – and to draw people together during the holiday season in order to continue to nurture pride in our culture and traditions.

This celebratory holiday festival features traditional food, music and Parandas – with the main event being a coquito competition to find the best Coquito. Most Puerto Rican families have a treasured coquito recipe and they will boast that their Coquito is the best! This event gives volunteers an opportunity to showcase their family recipe in hopes of winning the contest and having official bragging rights for one entire year.

Last year’s event was held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Planning a Beach Getaway to Puerto Rico? Do These Things First

 

  You can’t go wrong with a beach getaway to Puerto Rico! The beautiful beaches, friendly culture, and exciting things to explore make this place the perfect vacation spot. However, there are a few things you can do to prepare for the climate, activities, and people that will ensure the best trip possible.

Prepare for the Heat

Puerto Rico is notoriously hot! According to Climates to Travel, the tropical climate of this island makes for some significant heat, year-round—though May to October is more humid than the rest of the year if that is a deciding factor for picking your vacation date! Preparing yourself for the heat will help you actually enjoy yourself instead of feeling miserably sweaty or stuffy. Bring or buy a good water bottle that you can use to stay hydrated! Drink lots of water to cool down the internal temperature of your body and replenish the water you sweat out. Wear highly protective sunscreen and find means of shade as often as possible, like umbrellas or hats. Consider planning indoor activities to enjoy for the hottest parts of the day, and enjoying the beauty of outdoor Puerto Rico during the cooler times!

Learn to Swim

The beaches of Puerto Rico are one of the main reasons it is such a desirable destination. Swimming in these cool and clear waters is a favorite activity of locals and tourists alike—but it is important that anyone wanting to try out the ocean waves knows how to swim in them. Regardless of your age, if you are not a strong swimmer you should consider taking lessons to improve your swim skills, developing muscle memory, and problem-solving that can help you in times of distress! According to SwimJim, an awareness of your buoyancy and movements in the water helps keep you safe while you play.

Learn Some Local Lingo

Brush up on your Spanish! While tourist resorts and most shops or services have adapted to ensure they can communicate in English, learning some Spanish immerses you a bit more in this vibrant culture and makes your trip more unique. Ask the local residents of your area what their favorite parts of town are, where are the best restaurants, and what sights you shouldn’t miss out on. You don’t have to be fluent, but according to Spanishland School, learning some basic Spanish will help you feel more confident in your travels and may get you an inside scoop on the area!   The full potential of your vacation to Puerto Rico is within your reach if you will prepare yourself for the heat, learn the skills necessary to enjoy available activities safely, and pick up some basic phrases that can help you get around. Once you’ve done this you can sit back, relax and enjoy all Puerto Rico has to offer! 

Read this next: Why Traveling To Somewhere Warm and Sunny Will Do You A World Of Wonders

Estate Planning – Bringing the Elements Together

by Estate Planning Attorney Nydia Menendez

We all have an Estate. Estate Planning is the process of designing a plan in advance so that no matter what happens, you are always in control of that Estate. Your Estate includes your person and your assets – your stuff. Should you pass away, what remains are your assets. These comprise your Estate.

A proper Estate Plan must also plan for the possibility of incapacity. Statistically, 70% of persons over the age of 65 will experience some form of incapacity during their lifetimes. Be sure to take this into consideration as you develop your Plan.

When the topic of Estate Planning comes up, most people think of a Will. But there are many shortcomings to having a Will alone. First, Wills do not address incapacity – they only focus on the distribution of assets at death. And for that distribution, judicial Probate administration by the court system is required, which is both time-consuming and expensive. If Guardianship is necessary, the court will get involved in that as well if the only document a person has is a Will. An Estate Plan, therefore, with a Will and nothing more will not avoid the very undesirable judicial processes of Guardianship or Probate. What’s more, the distribution of assets at death could have unintended negative consequences for the beneficiaries.

That is why, in addition to a Will, we recommend that every Estate Plan include a Trust, Advanced Health Care Directives, and a Durable Power of Attorney.

A Trust is like a company you can set up to hold your assets. While you are alive and have capacity, you are the Trustee of your Trust. When you create the Trust, you appoint a Successor Trustee to manage the assets in the Trust in the event of your incapacity or death. Because your assets will then have a way to be managed, there is no need for Guardianship or Probate.

Having your assets in a Trust will address the management of those assets during your lifetime, as well as the distribution of those assets should you pass away or become incapacitated. And if your beneficiaries have different needs and circumstances, you can tailor the distributions to them in ways you consider most appropriate. You can shelter distributions so that the inheritance you leave for your loved ones will not be lost to divorce, claims of creditors and lawsuits, or remarriage of a surviving spouse.

Because you want to be in control no matter what happens, a good Estate Plan must also include Advanced Health Care Directives to address medical decisions, including life and death decisions.

Lastly, once your Plan has been designed, it is important to follow the strict execution requirements and signing protocols. You will need to sign your documents in the presence of two witnesses and a Notary, all of whom must be in each other’s presence at the time. Additionally, make sure that the people who will be charged with responsibilities as listed in your Trust, have access to your documents when needed in a way that is both fast and secure.

How to Get Started?

If you want to learn more about how to plan for your future to make sure you leave a loving legacy for your family, we invite you to call our office at (954) 963-7220 to speak with a member of the Menéndez Law Firm. You may also want to watch the video series on our YouTube channel where we talk about Estate Planning in detail. Or if you want to join us for the next live Wills, Trusts and Estate Planning webinar on Zoom you can register at no charge on our website www.menendezlawfirm.com

---

	Nydia Menéndez Estate Planning Attorney Menéndez Law Firm 2699 Stirling Road, Suite B200 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 Tel.: (954) 963-7220 Fax:  (954) 963-7232 nydia@menendezlawfirm.com

Puerto Rico Government Launches Incentive For First Responders

Puerto Rico Gov. Pedro Pierluisi recently announced that first responders will be eligible to receive a $2,000 bonus for their efforts during the Covid-19 pandemic. $200 million has been set aside for first responders and health care workers for this particular incentive. In total, the Puerto Rican Government will receive $2.47 billion to allocate to various initiatives and measures in order to aid economic recovery after the pandemic. The federal government allocated these funds under the American Rescue Plan Act.

Not everyone will be eligible 

According to Pierluisi, first responders need to have had direct contact with patients in their workplace to qualify for the $2,000 — therefore meaning remote workers aren’t eligible for the bonus. “This is like a prize. They are our heroes and our heroines and they deserve this special payment. In the future we could add other professionals”,  Pierluisi said. Around 40,000 front-line workers (including paramedics, health technicians, nursing staff, police, firefighters, and security officers) are estimated to be eligible. Essential workers at the Department of Correction and Rehabilitation of Puerto Rico will receive $20 million, while essential workers at the Adult University Hospital, ASEM, and the Ramón Ruiz Arnau Hospital in Bayamón, among other places, will receive another $20 million to be distributed.

Helping first responders 

First responders everywhere deserve recognition, gratitude, and support for their hard work to keep communities safe. In today’s competitive real estate market, for example, affordable housing is particularly important. As such, a first responder home loan is available for first responders and healthcare workers looking to purchase or refinance a loan. With this type of loan, first responders, nurses, and hospital staff can receive a free appraisal and a free loan checkup. Additionally, in the US, a new housing bill was recently proposed to help first responders more easily secure a loan to purchase a house. If passed, the bill would eliminate the usual requirements for large down payments and expensive monthly mortgage insurance premiums (which are usually required with down payments of under 20%).

Ultimately, in Puerto Rico, the new funding is intended to boost economic recovery and mitigate the impact of the pandemic. “We will continue working to continue identifying needs and providing the necessary tools to provide real solutions to our people,” the governor said.

Comite Noviembre

SAVE THE DATES  35th Anniversary Puerto Rican Heritage Month Kick-Off Event Thursday, October 28, 2021  25th Anniversary Benefit Dinner Celebrating 35 years of Puerto Rican Culture & History Friday, November 19, 2021 The Water Club - New York City CN's 15th Annual National Puerto Rican Artisans Fair & Book Expo Saturday, November 20, 2021 Hybrid Event Virtual & In-person  25th Annual CN Day of Community Service & Social Responsibility Sunday, November 21, 2021 Various locations throughout NYC & Westchester  All guests, individuals working, volunteering and attending COMITÉ NOVIEMBRE events must be fully vaccinated FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: TERESA A. SANTIAGO tascommunicationsllc@gmail.com; (914) 263-6599 or   ANGEL SANTINI PALOS:  angelsantinipalos@gmail.com,   (646) 828-5863 COMITÉ NOVIEMBRE MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS ASPIRA of New York, Inc.  Centro de Estudios Puertorriqueños/Hunter Collage, CUNY El Museo del Barrio Eugenio María de Hostos Community College, CUNY Institute for the Puerto Rican/Hispanic Elderly Fundación Nacional Para la Cultura Popular La Casa de la Herencia Cultural Puertorriqueña NCPRR: Justice Committee Puerto Rican Institute for the Development of the Arts

Florida Puerto Rican Parade and Festival – September 18, 2021

The Florida Puerto Rican Parade & Festival and related activities were established to promote the Puerto Rican community culture, heritage and its contributions to the State of Florida. The Parade and Festival promote the achievements made by Puerto Ricans in Business, Health, Music, Science, Arts and Government. Puerto Ricans from throughout Florida cities and surrounding states are encouraged to attend. Friends and families of participants and spectators are invited to join in this annual celebration which is destined to become a milestone event for families from across the region and Puerto Rico to get together.

DEDICATED TO THE MUNICIPALITIES OF CABO ROJO AND MOCA

Cabo Rojo is known as “El Pueblo de Cofresí” (Cofresí’s town). Cabo Rojo was founded in December 17, 1771 by Nicolás Ramírez Arellano and Miguel de Muesas. It is said that Cabo Rojo obtained its name by the considerable amount of minerals in its coasts that made the waters look reddish. Cabo means headland and rojo, means the color red. Located in the southwest corner of Puerto Rico, Cabo Rojo is surrounded by miles and miles of beaches. It also stands at the mouth of the Boqueron bay, one of Puerto Rico’s deepest and best protected harbors, extending some 3 1/2 miles inland, sheltering over a mile of white sand bordered by clear water is wonderful for swimming and lounging, it is the town’s most popular beach destination with a good reason. Join us on September 16th, 2021 as we celebrate our annual Gala Awards Dinner! This year we will dedicate the parade and festival to the beautiful towns of Moca and Cabo Rojo. We will savor a delicious traditional dinner while enjoying entertainment provided by special guests from our beloved Puerto Rico! In addition to the towns, we are Honoring our First Responders and Essential Workers! Don’t miss out on this highly anticipated night! Date: Thursday, September 16, 2021 6 pm Reception 7 pm Awards Dinner and Scholarships Presentations Location: DoubleTree by Hilton At SeaWorld 101000 International Drive, Orlando Fl 32821

New York League of Puerto Rican Women 13th Annual Scholarship Gala

Eunice Santiago, President New York League of Puerto Rican Women, Inc. www.nylprw.org 13th ANNIVERSARY SCHOLARSHIP GALA THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2021 MARINA DEL REY IN THE BRONX Sincerely,  Eunice Santiago, President For More Information or for a Scholarship Application Please Visit their Website Download Membership Application at our website:  _www.nylprw.org_ (http://www.nylprw.org/) NEW YORK LEAGUE OF PUERTO RICAN WOMEN,  INC. P. O. Box 60337 Brooklyn, NY 11206-0337 https://www.facebook.com/nylprwinc

Is Your Puerto Rico Trip During Hurricane Season Worth the Risk?

There’s nothing more relaxing than soaking in the warm sunshine while gazing at the crystal blue Caribbean waters. The only thing that can make the experience even more cherishable is a glass of a refreshing cocktail, like pina colada.

If that’s your idea of the perfect getaway, chances are you’re already craving a holiday to the birthplace of pina colada.

Puerto Rico: Every Traveler’s Wonderland

That’s right! Puerto Rico isn’t just known for its picture-perfect coastline, welcoming locals, and rich history. The awe-inspiring Caribbean island is famous for gifting human civilization with one of the most iconic cocktails.

Then there’s the spirited nightlife on the island accentuated by cafes, beach bars, and casinos in Isla Verde. History and art aficionados will also enjoy strolling past ancient fortresses, museums, and colonial buildings in Old San Juan. 

Also, the island boasts spectacular natural landscapes replete with waterfalls, hiking trails, and mountains. Nature lovers will particularly enjoy the thrill of exploring the El Yunque National Forest.

Between its glitzy hotel strip and vibrant remnants of Spanish architecture, Puerto Rico packs a bunch of tourist hotspots that can be visited throughout the year. But if you’re planning a trip between June and November, it’s natural to be concerned about the weather in Puerto Rico.

That isn’t surprising considering that hurricanes are known to wreak havoc, especially when they make landfall on islands and coastal areas. And the last thing you want is to watch your Caribbean getaway quickly spiral into a stranded-on-a-remote-island survival drama.

The Reality Hurricane Season in Puerto Rico

The good news is that hurricane season in Puerto Rico isn’t as intense as it’s perceived to be. Despite the island’s location in a hurricane-prone area, it’s had to brave only a handful of severe hurricanes in the past.

In fact, Puerto Rico is likely to face only one tropical storm every five years. The chances of a severe hurricane making landfall are even slimmer.

History of Hurricanes in Puerto Rico

The most recent hurricane to hit the island was the Category 5 Hurricane Maria that made landfall in September 2017. It caused widespread destruction across the island and resulted in the loss of nearly 3,000 lives.

While it’s widely regarded as the worst natural disaster in Puerto Rico, the last time the island witnessed a storm of a similar scale was in 1931.  In the past, Puerto Rico has braved a few more hurricanes, including Hurricane Georges in 1998, Hurricane Hugo in 1989, and San Capriane in 1932.

What’s worth noting is that hurricanes are a fairly rare occurrence in Puerto Rico. While the hurricane season on the island stretches from June to November, the weather is mostly fine throughout the period.

Perks of Puerto Rico’s Hurricane Season

Hurricane season in Puerto Rico isn’t just safe for travelers. It also offers a plethora of benefits for people who want to steer clear of selfie-obsessed tourists. Considering that most tourists visit Puerto Rico between December and March, you’ll have the beaches, bars, cafes, museums, and forests all to yourself.

The best part is that most accommodation facilities also offer excellent discounts during the off-peak season. If you’re willing to brave a bit of rainfall, traveling to Puerto Rico during hurricane season might be the best option for you.

A Word of Caution

It is, however, wiser to check the weather forecast for Puerto Rico before planning a trip during hurricane season. While a hurricane might be a rarity, the island experiences frequent spells of rainfall during this season. Make sure you pack an umbrella, raincoat, sturdy shoes, and enough sunscreen lotion to last throughout the trip.

Also, if you intend to travel during the hurricane season, it’s a good idea to check the cancellation and refund policy before booking your accommodation. Visit the website or talk to the manager of the property to find out whether they offer a hurricane guarantee.

Similarly, it’s a smart move to invest in a robust travel insurance plan. It’ll save you from the financial ramifications of extending your trip or experiencing any mishaps during the trip.

Should You Visit Puerto Rico During Hurricane Season in the Middle of the Pandemic?

If you’ve been yearning for some sun and sand during the COVID-19 pandemic, Puerto Rico might be just the place for you. The island’s administration recently announced several relaxations for fully vaccinated travelers from various parts of the U.S.

To begin with, a negative RT-PCR report is no longer mandatory for fully vaccinated tourists arriving at San Juan. Instead, you can furnish your vaccine card and sign a declaration form.

Also, travelers who are fully vaccinated need not wear face masks while visiting public and private indoor and outdoor spaces in Puerto Rico.

So, if the travel bug has been causing a constant itch, it’s about time you start planning your Caribbean escapade. Make sure you check the weather in Puerto Rico, buy travel insurance, and pack a few monsoon essentials to be on the safe side.

New company, same woes: Puerto Rico suffers power outages

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — A private company that took over power transmission and distribution in Puerto Rico this month has struggled with widespread outages and growing anger as it scrambled to control a fire that left hundreds of thousands of clients in the dark.

Officials say outages had affected more than 1 million customers so far this month, not counting those affected by the explosion and fire at a main substation in the capital of San Juan. Several mayors had declared an emergency as they distributed ice and generators to those most in need before Thursday’s fire, whose cause was under investigation as officials warned it would take all night to restore power after a transformer blew.

Around 700,000 clients were without power at the height of the outage, and at least 400,000 remained without electricity late Thursday.

Many in Puerto Rico had hoped for a quick improvement in service, but clients complain it has gotten even worse in Luma’s first few days of operations – with problems complicated by heavy rains this week followed by the explosion.

“This has turned into chaos,” said Javier Jiménez, mayor of the western town of San Sebastián, which had established its own brigade of workers to make repairs after Hurricane Maria largely destroyed the U.S. territory’s electrical grid in 2017, leaving some people without electricity for nearly a year.

Jiménez said he was forced to activate that brigade once again this week because Luma Energy, which took over the transmission and distribution system of Puerto Rico’s Electric Power Authority on June 1, told him it did not have enough manpower to restore electricity to the more than 1,000 families left in the dark over the weekend in his town.

“I could not believe it,” he said. “A company that has been here just days...”

Jiménez also noted that Puerto Ricans have complained that when they call the company, they are placed on hold for hours with no response.

A Luma spokeswoman did not return a message for comment, while a company representative, José Pérez, told local radio stations that the outages could be acts of sabotage or instances of too many people using the system at one time. Then on Thursday afternoon, Luma reported that its website became the target of a cyberattack, saying that the 2 million hits per second it was receiving was preventing customers from accessing the site.

Government officials have urged patience, noting that Luma inherited thousands of outages and only just took over a system running on rickety infrastructure, much of it patched together after Hurricane Maria.

In early June, Luma CEO Wayne Stensby told reporters that the company had more than 350 line workers and that the number was sufficient.

On Tuesday, Luma issued a statement urging municipal officials and private contractors to stop trying to fix the system independently, saying that such efforts were illegal and dangerous.

“Luma is aware of the outages affecting communities across Puerto Rico and working safely and strategically to restore power across the island,” it said.

But many customers are seething, including José Aquino, a 38-year-old gymnastics instructor who said he and his family have been without power for 14 hours at a time on several occasions this week. His father is a diabetic and had to throw away his insulin before buying a small cooler to store it on ice.

“He hasn’t had to do that since (Hurricane) Maria,” Aquino said, adding that neither he nor his wife have been able to report the outages to Luma. “They don’t answer.”

Luma, a consortium made up of Calgary, Alberta-based Atco and Quanta Services Inc. of Houston, serves some 1.5 million customers. It will operate the transmission and distribution system under a 15-year contract with Puerto Rico’s government.

Experiences You Need to Have When You are Near the Ocean

Living near the ocean sounds like a dream come true for many people. And it truly is. But even though living by the beach is amazing, it can be easy to get stuck in the same rut of beach activities. Thinking about how to reach out of your comfort zone when it comes to going to the beach will leave you more fulfilled.

Get Your Vitamin D

One of the best ways to spend your time near the ocean is soaking up the delicious rays of the sun. Getting sunlight is so important for your health for a variety of reasons. First of all, getting good sunlight has been shown to help with mood and with mental disorders like anxiety and depression. Vitamin D is also required to healthily monitor and regulate your immune system; if you stay cooped up inside for too long, your body may have difficulty responding to different sicknesses that you encounter.  But while getting vitamin D is essential, be sure to do so healthily. Failing to protect your skin when you are outside or trying to tan without sunscreen could result in major problems later on in addition to a nasty sunburn in the short-term. There are multiple precautions you can take to ensure that you don’t suffer these consequences.  First, start by applying an SPF of at least 30. 30 SPF blocks out the majority of the harmful rays that can cause cancer and other skin problems. Then be sure to wear a shirt, hat, and sunglasses when outside. Sunglasses are especially important to protect your eyes which can be easily burned and tired out from excessive sun exposure. Taking these precautions will help you enjoy sunshine while staying safe. 

Do Some Yoga

Doing yoga has incredible benefits. But it is especially fun and fulfilling on the beach. The best time to go and do yoga is in the morning—if you can get there during the sunrise, you’ll be in for a spectacular experience. Doing yoga on the beach in the morning is not only a good practice for better personal wellness, but it also will help you enhance your yoga performance.  Yoga is more than simple positions and meditation. Yoga originated as a Hindu practice in order to help individuals achieve physical, spiritual, and mental balance. Performing the various moves in sync with the proper mental state allows you to better master yourself. Doing these exercises in a beautiful peaceful place can help you better embrace the true purpose of yoga.  When it comes to doing yoga on the beach, there are a few practical things you should think about. Figure out if you enjoy doing yoga barefoot in sand. Though doing yoga poses in this way might mean getting more sand in your clothes and hair, it is also a unique and positive experience to feel the cold sand on your hands and toes.  However, if you don’t enjoy that particular sensation, you’ll want to invest in a large sand-repellent towel to place under your yoga mat to help you stay sand free. You may also want a harder mat to place under your yoga mat if you want a more sturdy surface beneath you. 

Watch the Sunset

Tropical island ocean sunsets are something extra special. Dedicating some time a couple nights a week to watch the sunset will be a beautiful experience and will help you find more peace in the midst of a busy day-to-day life. Figure out the best places to watch the sunset in your particular area.  You might be surprised by what you find—try various locations from higher up plateaus to benches right next to the sand. Trying out these different places will be fun and will hopefully lead to you finding a place that can be your unique spot for sunset watching. 

Go Into the Ocean

Getting into the ocean is a must-do if you live anywhere near a beach. And while this may seem like a given at first, there are various things you can do to switch up your time in the water. First off, try to make swimming in the ocean part of your workout regimen. Swimming is already an incredibly beneficial exercise for your heart health but swimming in the ocean gives you an even better workout. Swimming up against waves forces your body to work harder which pushes your heart to better self-regulate.  Additionally, swimming in ocean water enables you to absorb many of the vitamins and minerals that are in the water. For example, the ocean is rich in a variety of minerals that are good for your skin like magnesium, sodium, and calcium. Spending time each day in the water helps your skin absorb these minerals that will give it a smoother stronger feel.  In addition to doing basic swimming, try to also explore the ocean in a canoe. Be careful to go at the right times of the year and day because you don’t want to get caught in a current that takes you out farther than you should go. But when you are able to go out at a good time, you’ll be amazed by the beautiful views of the shore that you’ll get canoeing. Additionally, canoeing or other sports like paddle boarding will give you a great workout for your arms and will help you better develop stability. 

Take Advantage of Seafood

Being near the beach means having access to fresh-caught fish—something that makes an incredible difference when you eat foods like sushi. Take advantage of the incredible seafood options around you and branch out to try new foods. Be willing to try seafood that you may have never tried before or might be initially reticent to try.  You won’t regret reaching out of your comfort one and you may discover dishes that become new favorites. When it comes to trying seafood, don’t limit yourself to local restaurants. Find markets where you can buy fresh caught fish yourself to cook at home. If you already love shrimp or tilapia, cooking it freshly caught will be quite the experience. 

Run on the Beach

Running on the beach is incredible exercise and can be incredibly enjoyable. If you are already an avid runner, prepare yourself for a different kind of run. If you choose to run on the sand, it’s best to go barefoot or to wear minimal foot gloves. Running with your normal running shoes on sand will mean getting sand in your socks and shoes that could lead to painful rubbing and irritation.  You should also be prepared to run fewer miles than you would on normal ground because your feet will sink back into the sand with every step you take. This type of running will also likely require you to engage your arch even more as you pull your foot into each step.  But because this type of running is more difficult, you’ll get an even better workout running the same number of miles as you would running on concrete. Even more than the physical benefits of running on the beach, the scenery and the sound of crashing waves always makes for an extraordinary experience. 

Surf

Surfing is perhaps one of the most classic beach activities that you can try. But even though surfing can be difficult to master, it is absolutely one of the best ways to really get to know and enjoy the ocean. If you are a beginner to surfing, be sure to have at least a couple lessons with an expert surfer.  As you look for someone to give you lessons, look for someone who has experience teaching kids if you want your children to learn or experience with adults if you yourself are trying to learn. The teaching styles vary by age group so it might be harder for you to learn from someone who mainly teaches kids all day.  As you start to get better at surfing, make sure to spend time practicing as frequently as possible. Spending an hour a day in the water will not only help you seriously improve your skills, but it also has great health benefits. Surfing itself requires you to build strong muscles and lung endurance from swimming and paddling. And being outside for a decent amount of time each day has been shown to improve mood among other things. 

Snorkel or Scuba Dive

When you have a lot of time to spend at the beach, be sure that you take the time to snorkel or scuba dive. Snorkeling gear can be incredibly cheap if you just get a basic set of goggles and breathing tube. Finding the best spots to snorkel can sometimes be tricky, but that’s the fun part.  Explore different beaches and preferably different bays or inlets—trying to snorkel in the open ocean will not only be incredibly difficult, but it could be dangerous. You can easily get lots of saltwater in your tube from crashing waves. And if you are constantly trying to look down, you might get hit against rocks.  Similarly, with scuba diving, be careful which beaches you go to. Be sure to get the proper certification and have the right gear when you dive to ensure that you are safe and prepared. 

Fish

Going fishing is another great way to take advantage of the beach. And if you are already an avid fisherman, get ready for a new experience and adventure because ocean fishing is very different from freshwater fishing.  For starters, you’ll need to get your fishing license for saltwater fishing. The process for getting this license will vary by state so make sure that you understand your state’s rules. Then you’ll want to make sure that you go at the right time of year. For example, if you are hoping to catch Alaskan salmon, be sure to visit between May and October as that is the peak season for the salmon run.  Once you’ve identified the right time to venture out on your fishing expedition, bring the right gear. Having the right gear for the type of fish you’re fishing and for saltwater fishing more generally will ensure you have a successful voyage. 

Enjoy Seaside Shops

Regardless of what beach you live near, most beach towns have beautiful quaint seaside shops to take advantage of. These lovely little shops tend to differ from the larger types of stores that are found in the city center and are usually run by locals. Get to know the locals, buy clothing from handmade vendors, and try out the various foods that are sold.  Usually, you’ll be able to find incredibly delicious locally caught fish and sushi or delicious smoothie places with home grown fruit. These kinds of experiences allow you to really absorb the beach culture wherever you are. When you take the time to really explore the local areas and stores surrounding the beach, you’ll be able to find little places, shakes, or tiny shops that will become some of your favorite places for fun unique gifts.  Embracing the ocean will lead you to enjoy a better quality of life. Taking the time to try out these various activities and find ones you really enjoy will help you better manage normal stress and enjoy the beauty of nature. In the process, you’ll learn to love the majestic ocean that you have access to. Read this next: The Boat is the Best Place to Isolate Yourself

We are Root-Ed a Puerto Rico Box for Kids

We are Root-Ed Box is a box with educational activities so kids can learn about Puerto Rico in a fun way. It's a monthly box with educational and fun activities so kids can learn about Puerto Rico.

Our box is packed with educational and fun content

Play + Learn + Create family memories

Explore Puerto Rico through activities, games, and crafts curated to complement the educational topics.

Educational Resources 

Learn about animals, fruits, vegetables, and plants with our Flora & Fauna Cards. Enjoy cooking together with a Monthly Recipe. Discover and celebrate our history, traditions, sports, music, instruments, and more.

Bilingual Content

Families are unique and language predominance may vary. That's why our content is in both Spanish and English. This is a way of supporting language development while ensuring it is accessible to all families.

Recommended for ages 3-8

How it works

A new Puerto Rico adventure delivered to your home every month

1. Choose your Box

Select the perfect plan for your family: monthly, 3, or 6 months.

2. We ship your Box

Let the fun arrive at your door every month! Boxes ship on the 20th.

3. Get Root-Ed

Teach your kids more about Puerto Rico while creating fun memories.

Get Started Today

Connect with Us on Social Media

 

New fellowship gives $25,000 grants to Puerto Rican writers

FILE - Lin-Manuel Miranda arrives at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party in Beverly Hills, Calif. on Feb. 9, 2020. A new fellowship co-sponsored by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation will provide $25,000 for emerging and established Puerto Rican writers. On Wednesday, the Foundation and the Flamboyan Foundation’s Arts Fund announced the establishment of the Letras Boricuas Fellowship for 30 Puerto Ricans in Puerto Rico and elsewhere who write poetry, fiction creative nonfiction or children’s literature. The Flamboyan Arts Fund is a partnership between Flamboyan Foundation, Lin-Manuel Miranda, his family, and the Broadway musical Hamilton to preserve, amplify, and sustain the arts in Puerto Rico. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File)[/caption]

NEW YORK (AP) — A new fellowship co-sponsored by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation will provide $25,000 for emerging and established Puerto Rican writers.

On Wednesday, the Mellon Foundation and the Flamboyan Foundation’s Arts Fund announced the establishment of the Letras Boricuas Fellowship for 30 Puerto Ricans, age 21 and up, in Puerto Rico and elsewhere who write poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction or children’s literature. The first 15 winners will be announced in November, and all are tentatively scheduled to meet in San Juan in 2023.

Among those welcoming the news: “Hamilton” playwright and son of Puerto Ricans, Lin-Manuel Miranda. In a statement, he called the fellowship “an important means of supporting Puerto Rican artists in their journey to tell more stories. This collaboration to amplify the work and voices of these creators, both in Puerto Rico and across the U.S. diaspora, will further enrich and enhance the literary experience for all of us.”

Carlos Rodríguez Silvestre, executive director of Flamboyan Foundation Puerto Rico, said in a statement that the fellowship would help address what he calls the “existing lack of support” for Puerto Rican writers.

“At Flamboyan Foundation we can’t think of a better way to honor the rich heritage and diversity of Puerto Rican literature in the archipelago and the diaspora than creating a fellowship that lets writers do what they know how to do best,” he said.

The deadline for applications is June 20. More information can be found on www.letrasboricuas.org.