Moca Puerto Rico: A Tapestry of History and Charm

 

History and Vibrant Culture

In the northwestern region of Puerto Rico, the town of Moca stands as a testament to the island's rich history and vibrant culture. Often referred to as the "Capital del Mundillo" (Capital of Mundillo Lace), Moca offers a captivating blend of historical significance, natural beauty, and artistic heritage.

Moca was officially founded on June 22, 1772, though its origins can be traced back to earlier settlements. The formal establishment of the municipality was largely attributed to Don Manuel de Acevedo y Polanco, a prominent figure who played a crucial role in organizing the local community and petitioning for official recognition from the Spanish Crown. The name "Moca" is believed to derive from the Moca tree (*Andira inermis*), a common species in the region, signifying the close relationship between the town and its natural surroundings.

In its early days, Moca's economy was primarily agrarian, with coffee, tobacco, and sugarcane being the main crops cultivated. The fertile lands and favorable climate contributed to the town's gradual growth and prosperity. Like many municipalities in Puerto Rico, Moca witnessed the ebb and flow of Spanish colonial rule and the subsequent transition to American sovereignty. These historical periods have left their mark on the town's architecture, traditions, and cultural identity.

Official Colors and Identity

The official colors of Moca are green and gold (or yellow). Green symbolizes the lush vegetation and agricultural heritage of the region, while gold represents the town's historical and cultural richness. These colors are proudly displayed in the municipal flag and are often incorporated into local events and celebrations, serving as visual emblems of Moca's identity.

Moca boasts several sites of interest that attract both locals and visitors. One of the most prominent landmarks is the Parroquia Nuestra Señora de la Monserrate, the town's main Catholic church. This beautiful church, with its distinctive architecture, serves as a focal point for religious and community life. The devotion to Nuestra Señora de la Monserrate (Our Lady of Montserrat) is deeply ingrained in Moca's cultural fabric, with annual festivities held in her honor, showcasing the town's religious fervor and traditions.

Another significant attraction is the Casa Alcaldía (City Hall), an impressive structure that reflects the town's historical and administrative importance. The central plaza, often bustling with activity, provides a gathering space for residents and hosts various cultural events and festivities throughout the year.

For those interested in the town's artistic heritage, a visit to local artisan workshops, particularly those specializing in mundillo lace, is a must. This intricate and delicate form of lacemaking has been a cherished tradition in Moca for generations, with skilled artisans creating exquisite pieces that are highly valued both locally and internationally. The dedication and artistry involved in mundillo lace have earned Moca its title as the "Capital del Mundillo."

Moca's Natural Beauty

Beyond its historical and cultural landmarks, Moca is also surrounded by natural beauty. The region's rolling hills and green landscapes offer opportunities for exploration and appreciation of Puerto Rico's diverse environment. While not directly on the coast, Moca provides a tranquil inland experience within relatively easy reach of the island's beaches and other natural attractions.

Moca, Puerto Rico, is a town that beautifully intertwines its rich history with a vibrant present. From its founding by Don Manuel de Acevedo y Polanco in 1772 to its enduring tradition of mundillo lace, Moca offers a unique glimpse into Puerto Rican heritage. With its welcoming community, significant landmarks like the Parroquia Nuestra Señora de la Monserrate, and the symbolic green and gold colors representing its identity, Moca remains a charming and historically significant gem in the heart of Puerto Rico.

Pepe Ríos y Orquesta La Mancha

 

Intro

Grupo musical de salsa puertorriqueño con más 30 años de experiencia en la música, desde el 2012 conocidos como Pepe Ríos y Orquesta La Mancha. Compositores de todos sus éxitos con más de 7 discografías en toda su trayectoria.

Quienes Somos

​Grupo musical de salsa puertorriqueño con más 30 años de experiencia en la música, desde el 2012 conocidos como Pepe Ríos y Orquesta La Mancha. Compositores de todos sus éxitos con más de 7 discografías en toda su trayectoria.

En tarima nos circunscribimos a interpretar las composiciones nuestras. Nuestro repertorio musical es variado, e incluye: salsa, bolero, merengue, plena, aguinaldos y seises, etc. Nos caracterizamos por nuestro sentido de responsabilidad, puntualidad y vestimenta apropiada al evento.

Pepe Ríos

Trayectoria Musical

El Sr. José "Pepe" Ríos Santos, con nombre artístico: "Pepe Ríos"; es un compositor, cantante, trovador y músico de percusión menor. Se adentra en la música a su edad juvenil como intérprete de música típica, y de ahí a la música tropical: boleros, guarachas, valses etc.

​Luego incursiona en el género de la Salsa, en la década de los altos 60, a interpretarla, y como músico de percusión menor. Ya para los años 80, tenía su propio conjunto criollo, con amistades del barrio.

Luego funda el "Conjunto 100 x 35", para ser más formal el trabajo, y obtener presentaciones en tarima. Ya ahí, interpretaba sus propias canciones con una que otra de otros compositores. En los años del 94 al 99, estuvo con el Conjunto Jataca, del Sr. Efraín Rivera, en calidad de trovador y compositor. Vuelve y retoma su Conjunto 100 X 35, hasta noviembre de 2011.

Para el 12 de febrero de 2012, funda la Orquesta La Mancha, con la intención de entrar también al género de la Salsa, pero como compositor y cantante.​ Siempre tuvo la intención de llegar al público con temáticas sociales, culturales, principalmente al público adulto, y con una lírica de respeto hacia la mujer, en esencia.

Contrataciones

PR-618 KM 7.8
Corozal, PR 00783

prorquestalamancha@gmail.com
Tel: (787) 433-9876

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TEsxz-3pw2o

 

Jenniffer Gonzalez Colon Governor of Puerto Rico

 

Jenniffer González-Colón was elected Governor on November 5, 2024.  Prior to this election González-Colón served as Puerto Rico’s sole Representative to the U.S. Congress, known as Resident Commissioner, and was the first woman to hold the office. A lifelong Republican advocate for Puerto Rico statehood, González-Colón began her political journey in a special election in 2002, becoming the youngest member ever elected to the Puerto Rico House of Representatives. She quickly ascended through the ranks, serving as Speaker of the House for four years and later as Minority Leader for an additional four years.

Her priorities as Puerto Rico’s voice in Congress included spearheading the economic recovery of the Island, securing equal treatment for Puerto Rico’s 3.2 million American citizens in federal laws, regulations, services, and funding, and ensuring that Congress responds decisively to the overwhelming mandate of Puerto Rico’s voters for admission as the 51st state of the Union as reflected by clear majorities through locally-held plebiscites in 2012, 2017, 2020, and 2024.

Puerto Rico suffered its worst natural disaster in 90 years after hurricanes Irma and Maria devastated the Island in 2017. González-Colón’s efforts to keep Puerto Rico’s recovery at the forefront of Congress’ attention, organizing visits of members of Congress and administration officials, building bipartisan alliances, have resulted in over $117 billion in appropriations after the disaster, as well as legislation allowing infrastructure to be rebuilt to improved standards, full federal share in funding for rebuilding, and an extension in the emergency agencies’ mandates. Her contributions have been acknowledged through various honors, including being named one of the 100 most influential Republican women by NewsMax and consistently ranking among the top 20 in the Bipartisan Index rankings compiled by the Lugar Center and Georgetown University.

A product of the Puerto Rico public schools, holder of a Juris Doctor and Master of Laws degree (LL.M.), González-Colón served as Chair of the Puerto Rico Republican Party from 2015 to 2021, and First Vice Chair of the local pro-statehood party, Partido Nuevo Progresista.

Waterbury Puerto Rican Parade and Festival

 

FESTIVAL INFORMATION
Saturday, September 6, 2025
Downtown Waterbury
1:30 pm - 7:30 pm!

​Since its inception, the Greater Waterbury Puerto Rican Festival will feature some of the best local Puerto Rican talent - groups, solo artists, cultural acts - and it closes with a few well-known performers who come to the festival from Puerto Rico specifically to be part of the event. Attendees arrive early to grab the best space at the park, shop with the vendors, and get first dibs at the delicious food provided by both local restaurants and out-of-town vendors.

The Greater Waterbury Puerto Rican Day Parade & Festival Committee envisions a thriving, empowered Puerto Rican community leading in civic life, culture, and opportunity—where our people are always a priority, always included, and a permanent force for progress in the city/region.

The mission of the Greater Waterbury Puerto Rican Day Parade & Festival Committee is to celebrate, uplift, and empower the Puerto Rican community by producing an annual Puerto Rican Day Parade & Festival in perpetuity—while advancing civic engagement, cultural pride, leadership, and opportunity across Greater Waterbury.