Cultural Connections in Puerto Rico
Puerto Rican culture is typically associated with the Spanish Europeans, which isn't terribly shocking considering the legacy of Spanish colonialism. What is less known however, is that Puerto Rican culture did not start with the Spanish. When the Spaniards colonized Puerto Rico centuries ago, they did so over the backs of the little known Taíno. In fact, according to the Smithsonian, “Across the Caribbean, in Jamaica, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Haiti, you can find indigenous influences: herbal traditions, local spiritual or religious traditions, memories associated with the landscape, traditional agricultural crops and farming methods, home-building techniques, crafts like basketry and fishing nets, and Taíno words.” Additionally the Smithsonian adds, " Many words today, especially in the Spanish Caribbean, reflect Taíno influence, including the names “Cuba,” “Haiti,” and everyday vocabulary like “barbeque,” “canoe,” and “hurricane.”" (Smithsonian Global) .