Tuesday, February 4, 2025

Toa Alta Puerto Rico

 

Discovering the Charm of Toa Alta, Puerto Rico

Nestled in the lush hills of Puerto Rico’s northern region, the picturesque town of Toa Alta is a gem rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Known as "La Ciudad del Josco" and "La Cuna de los Poetas" (the Cradle of Poets), Toa Alta is one of the island’s oldest municipalities, boasting a legacy that dates back to Puerto Rico's early colonial period.

Founding and Early History

Toa Alta was officially founded in 1751, making it one of the first towns established during the Spanish colonization of Puerto Rico. Its name derives from the Taíno word "Toa," which refers to the town’s proximity to the Toa River, one of the island’s largest and most significant waterways. The word "Alta" (meaning high) highlights the elevated terrain where the town sits.

The founding of Toa Alta was spearheaded by Martín Lorenzo de Padilla, a Spanish settler and captain. He recognized the fertile lands and strategic location, prompting the establishment of a parish dedicated to Nuestra Señora de la Concepción, which served as the religious and cultural heart of the community. This move solidified Toa Alta’s place as a key agricultural hub during Puerto Rico’s formative years.

Town Colors and Symbols

The official town colors of Toa Alta are green and gold. Green represents the town’s lush landscapes and agricultural heritage, while gold symbolizes prosperity and the richness of its culture and traditions. Together, these colors capture the essence of Toa Alta's identity as a place where history, nature, and progress blend harmoniously.

Sites of Interest

Toa Alta offers a variety of attractions that showcase its historical and cultural significance:

  • Parroquia San Fernando Rey: One of the town’s most prominent landmarks, this historic church dates back to the 18th century. It stands as a beautiful example of colonial architecture and continues to serve as a center of spiritual life for the community.
  • Plaza de Recreo José Ramón Marrero: The town’s main square is a charming space where locals and visitors gather. Surrounded by historic buildings, it offers a tranquil setting for enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of Toa Alta.
  • Casa de la Cultura: This cultural center hosts exhibitions and events celebrating the artistic and literary heritage of Toa Alta. It pays homage to the town’s nickname as the Cradle of Poets.
  • Toa River: Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the scenic beauty of the Toa River, a vital waterway that has shaped the region’s agricultural and ecological landscape.

San Fernando Rey

Patron Saint and Festivities

The patron saint of Toa Alta is San Fernando Rey (Saint Ferdinand III of Castile), a medieval Spanish monarch known for his piety and military leadership. Every year, the town comes alive with vibrant celebrations in honor of its patron saint. The Fiestas Patronales de San Fernando Rey take place in May and feature religious processions, live music, traditional food, and cultural events that bring together residents and visitors for days of festivity.

A Legacy of Poetry and Agriculture

Toa Alta’s rich poetic tradition has earned it a place of distinction in Puerto Rico’s cultural history. Several notable poets and writers, including Juan Antonio Corretjer, have called Toa Alta home, contributing to its reputation as a nurturing ground for literary talent. The town’s agricultural roots remain strong, with local farmers continuing to cultivate a variety of crops that have sustained its economy for generations.

Conclusion

With its deep historical roots, vibrant cultural scene, and breathtaking natural beauty, Toa Alta, Puerto Rico, is a captivating destination that invites exploration and appreciation. Whether you’re strolling through its historic streets, visiting its landmarks, or simply enjoying the warmth of its people, Toa Alta offers a glimpse into the enduring spirit and heritage of Puerto Rico’s northern heartland.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3UHjNZEmCHA

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Monday, February 3, 2025

Carmen Bardeguez-Brown Published Works & Anthologies

 

Carmen Bardeguez-Brown is the author of For the Love of Cooking: Chef Tao, a Memoir (2022). Her published poetry collection includes Meditation on Love, Dancing, Loss and Forgiveness (2022); Three Poets/Tres Poetas, a collaboration with Marlena Maduro Baraf and Julio César Paz (2022); Lo que aprendí al otro lado del mundo, a collaboration with author Julio César Paz (2020); Dreaming Rhythms: Despertando el Silencio (2016); and Straight from the Drums (2012).  Her poetry appears in several anthologies and poetry magazines: Trauma Tresses & Truth ed. by Lizette Wanzer (2021); Boundaries & Borders ed. by Oyabisi Ideraabdullah (2024); I Can’t Breathe: A Poetic Anthology of Social Justice ed. by Christopher Okemwa (2021); Musings During a Time of Pandemic: A World Anthology of Poems on COVID-19, ed. by Christopher Okemwa (2020); Manteca! An Anthology of Afro-Latin@ Poets, ed. by Melissa Castillo-Garstow (Arte Publico Press, 2017); Aloud: Voices from the Nuyorican Poets Cafe ed. by Miguel Algarin and Bob Holman (1994); Big Other ed. by John Madera; On the Seawall (2022); Nuyorican Poets Writers Vol. 1 ed. by Dr. Nancy Mercado Hunter College, Academy of American Poets; and many others. Her work is part of the collection by the Puerto Rican Literature Project archive, University of Houston, Texas.

Published Works by Carmen Bardeguez-Brown

Meditation on Love Dancing Loss and Forgiveness 

Meditation on Love, Dancing, Loss, and Forgiveness
by Carmen Bardeguez-Brown

Carmen Bardeguez-Brown's Meditation on Love, Dancing, Loss, and Forgiveness is a dance of memory and desire.

It is a seamless combination of poetry and prose, English and Spanish, and the geographic roots of Ms. Bardeguez-Brown's life - Puerto Rico and New York City - which beautifully convey her inner journey, at times imagistic, at time expository, always blended into a powerful, natural balance.

Price was $12.00 NOW $11.16
Publisher Marrowstone Press Publish Date February 01, 2022
Pages 84
Dimensions 6.14 X 9.21 X 0.2 inches
Language English Type Paperback
EAN/UPC 9780578325484

AVAILABLE FROM BOOKSHOP.ORG


Three Poets

Three Poets / Tres Poetas
by Carmen Bardeguez-Brown, Marlena Maduro Baraf, and Julio César Paz

"...Three Poets, Marlena Maduro Baraf, Carmen Bardeguez-Brown, and Julio César Paz ...a unique collection of poetry that is an act of kinship and a compelling documentary of language in time. These three voices rally the power of poetry in a global way, from New York to Hanoi to Chiang Mai."

-Elaine Sexton, author of Drive

Price was $8.00 NOW $7.44
Publisher Marrowstone Press
Publish Date February 24, 2022
Pages 46
Language English
Type Paperback
EAN/UPC 9780578373102

AVAILABLE FROM BOOKSHOP.ORG


lo que aprendi

lo ue aprendí al otro lado del mundo
by Carmen Bardeguez-Brown and Julio Cesar Paz

Esta selección ofrece al lector la oportunidad de sentir la angustia de vivir. Cada poema es una pincelada de múltiples tonos de los colores familiares y, a su vez, extraños que motivan a reflexionar, a ver la vida de frente. A sentir la tristeza, pero sin perder la esperanza que habita en los escombros de la memoria.

Price $6.28
Publisher Independently Published
Publish Date April 18, 2020
Pages 36
Language Spanish
Type Paperback
EAN/UPC 9798632192675

AVAILABLE FROM BOOKSHOP.ORG


Dreaming Rythms: Despertando Silencios
by Carmen Bardeguez-Brown

A book of poems by Carmen Bardeguez-Brown In this book we hear a voice that reflects cultures being intertwined to create a new, unique form of expression with its own grammar and prosody. The Newyorican experience finds its voice in the poetry of Dreaming Rhythms, Despertando silencios.
Price $10.00
Pandora Lobo Estepario Productions
Publish Date December 13, 2015
Pages 102
Dimensions 5.5 X 0.24 X 8.5 inches | 0.31 pounds
Language English
Type Paperback
EAN/UPC 9781940856254

AVAILABLE FROM BOOKSHOP.ORG