Material Educativo
San Pedrito
Pájaro endémico de Puerto Rico conocido también como Papagayo o Medio Peso. Se distingue por ser pequeño, de color verde y garganta roja. El macho y la hembra lucen iguales o idénticos. La única diferencia es que el macho tiene los ojos negros y la hembra los tiene blancos. Este hermoso pájaro puede verse tanto en bosques como en las costas. Se alimenta de moscas, escarabajos, libélulas, entre otros insectos.
Puerto Rican Tody
Locally known in Spanish as San Pedrito and also referred to as Papagayo or Medio Peso, this bird in endemic to Puerto Rico. This miniature bird stands out for its green feathers and bright red colored throat. Male and females are near identical: the only difference is that males boast gray-black eyes whereas females have white ones. This precious bird can be spotted in both rainforests as well as along the coast. It feeds on flies, beetles, dragonflies, among other insects.
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Bailarina de Bomba
La bomba es uno de los géneros musicales de nuestra cultura puertorriqueña. Tiene su origen en las comunidades africanas y esclavizadas que existían en la isla. Es una mezcla de ritmos africanos, indígenas y españoles utilizados como medio de comunicación en momentos difíciles que vivía la comunidad. Los tambores son los encargados de dar ritmo a este género. Los bailarines juegan un papel muy importante en la música, ya que marcan el ritmo de los tambores. Actualmente, la bomba es un género que se cultiva y practica en Puerto Rico. No es sólo música y baile, es cultura y unión como pueblo; como Isla.
Bomba Dancer
Bomba is one of Puerto Rico’s many musical genres. It has its origins in the African and enslaved communities that once lived on the island. It is a blend of African, indigenous - namely Taíno - and Spanish rhythms that were used as a means of communication by the community during difficult times. The tambores (barrel drums) are the heart of the genre and bring the sound of bomba to life. The dancers play a very key role in the music, as they guide the beat of the drums with their movements. To this day, bomba is a genre that is cultivated and practiced daily in Puerto Rico. It’s not just music and dance - it’s culture and unity as a people; as an island.
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Café
¡Con mucho orgullo, siempre decimos que nuestro café es el mejor del mundo! La mayoría se cultiva en la zona montañosa de nuestra isla. El proceso desde la semilla hasta la taza es uno que requiere mucho compromiso, sacrificio y esfuerzo de las manos que lo trabajan. Siendo esta última, la parte más importante para lograr un buen café. Este arbusto de 2 a 3 metros de altura, produce una pequeña hermosa flor blanca, que nos obsequia un grano de café aromático. Una vez en la taza, disfrútalo como más te guste: puya, cortadito, clarito o bibí.
Coffee
With great pride, we always say that our coffee is the best in the world! The majority is grown in the mountainous regions of our island. The journey from seed to cup is one that requires a great deal of commitment, sacrifice and hard work from the knowledgeable hands that work it – this being the most crucial part of making great coffee. This shrub, which grows to about 2 to 3 meters in height, produces a small, beautiful white flower that converts into the aromatic coffee bean. Once it’s in your cup, enjoy it however you prefer: puya (black & sugarless), cortadito (1 ounce of espresso with a dash of steamed milk), clarito (light with plenty of milk) or bibí (lots of milk & very little espresso, like a mini latte).
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Tostones / Alcapurrias
Las frituras (fried food) are a staple of Puerto Rican cuisine. They can be enjoyed as an appetizer before the main course or as a side dish. Tostones are twice-fried green plantains with a crispy texture and a golden-yellow color.
Alcapurrias, meanwhile, are made from green plantains and/or grated yuca, forming a dough that is filled with meat or seafood and then deep-fried. The perfect alcapurria is crispy on the outside but soft on the inside. Although they can be enjoyed all throughout the island, the Piñones area in the town of Loíza is home to the best frituras in Puerto Rico.
Tostones / Alcapurrias
Las frituras (fried food) are a staple of Puerto Rican cuisine. They can be enjoyed as an appetizer before the main course or as a side dish. Tostones are twice-fried green plantains with a crispy texture and a golden-yellow color.
Alcapurrias, meanwhile, are made from green plantains and/or grated yuca, forming a dough that is filled with meat or seafood and then deep-fried. The perfect alcapurria is crispy on the outside but soft on the inside. Although they can be enjoyed all throughout the island, the Piñones area in the town of Loíza is home to the best frituras in Puerto Rico.
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Sapo Concho
Es endémico de Puerto Rico y de tamaño mediano. Mide entre 2.5 a 4.5 pulgadas, crestas encima de los ojos y hocico curveado. Su nombre científico es Peltophryne lémur. En el 1987 formó parte de la lista de especies en peligro de extinción como especie amenazada. La mayor población del Sapo Concho se encuentra en el Bosque Estatal de Guánica.
Puerto Rican Crested Toad
Famously known locally as the sapo concho, this toad is endemic to Puerto Rico. It is medium-sized, measuring between 2.5 to 4.5 inches, with ridges above its eyes and a curved snout. Its scientific name is Peltophryne lemur. In 1987, it was categorized as a threatened species. The largest population of the Puerto Rican crested toad can be found in the Guánica State Forest.
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Cemí
Símbolo taíno que representa a un dios o un espíritu. Eran hechos de piedra y a veces de otros materiales como madera o cerámica. Se caracteriza por su forma triangular. Pueden encontrarse con símbolos taínos tallados o en formas de animales.
Cemí
A Taíno symbol that represents a deity or spirit. Cemíes were made of stone and sometimes other materials such as wood or ceramic. They are characterized by their triangular shape. Some feature Taíno symbols carved into them or are shaped like animals.
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Juey
El cangrejo de mayor tamaño en nuestras costas. El juey común tiene por nombre científico: Cardisoma guanhumi. Este extraordinario crustáceo vive en huecos en el suelo, pero necesita del agua para respirar y reproducirse. La especie está protegida porque su población ha disminuido en la isla.
Puerto Rican Blue Land Crab
The largest crab found along our coasts is simply known as el juey to locals. Its scientific name is Cardisoma guanhumi. This extraordinary crustacean lives in burrows in the ground, but it still requires water to breathe and reproduce. The species is protected because its population has declined on the island.
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Zumbadorcito
Colibrí endémico de Puerto Rico, también conocido como Esmeralda de Puerto Rico por su color verde tornasol. Su tamaño pequeño es alrededor de 3.5 a 4 pulgadas de largo. Lo verás entre y dentro de las flores para alimentarse de su néctar. También puede comer arañas y otros insectos.
Puerto Rican Emerald
Known locally in Spanish as Zumbadorcito, this hummingbird is endemic to Puerto Rico and is named after its iridescent green color. A small bird, it measures around 3.5 to 4 inches in length. You’ll spot it hovering in and around flowers to feed on their nectar. It can also eat spiders and other insects.
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Petroglifos Taíanos
Nuestros taínos tallaban en piedras, y en las paredes de las cuevas, estos símbolos como expresiones de arte. Simbolizaban animales, dioses, componentes de la naturaleza, figuras humanas, entre otros. En Puerto Rico aún se encuentran petroglifos que puedes visitar en ríos, cuevas o parques especializados en el tema.
Taíno petroglyphs
Our Taínos carved these symbols in stones and walls of caves as artistic expressions. They represented animals, gods, elements of nature, human figures, and more. In Puerto Rico, you can still find petroglyphs in rivers, caves or parks dedicated to preserving these unique carvings.
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Coquí
Nuestro anfibio de dedos libres, o Eleutherodactylus. porque esta rana no tiene membranas en sus dedos. Mide de una a dos pulgadas de largo y es nativo de Puerto Rico, pero se introdujo a otros países. Se alimentan de grillos, cucarachas, arañas, entre otros. El nombre de coquí lo adquiere por el sonido, o cantar, que hace el macho para atraer a la hembra. En todo Puerto Rico puedes escucharlo cantar desde el anochecer hasta el amanecer.
Coquí
Our free-toed amphibian since this frog doesn’t have any webs in its fingers. Its scientific name is Eleutherodactylus, which is derived from the Greek words for free toed. The coquí measures from one to two inches long and is native to Puerto Rico, though it has been introduced in other countries. It feeds on crickets, cockroaches, spiders, and more. The name coquí comes from the sound - or song - the male makes to attract the female. Throughout Puerto Rico, coquís can be heard singing from dusk till dawn.
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Guabá
Familia de las arañas y los escorpiones, llamado también escorpión sin cola o araña látigo. Son inofensivos, pero pueden morder para defenderse. Sin embargo, su mordedora no es venenosa. Se alimentan de grillos, lagartijos, entre otros insectos Son animales nocturnos y viven en cuevas o en grietas rocosas. Su cuerpo es plano con brazos delanteros como pinzas.
Guabá
A relative of spiders and scorpions, also known as a tailless whip scorpion or whip spider. Believe it or not, they are harmless to humans - they are not venomous and only bite when they feel threatened. They eat crickets, lizards, and other insects. Guabás are nocturnal creatures and live in caves or rocky crevices. Their bodies are flat, with front limbs shaped like pincers.
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Bandera de Puerto Rico
A relative of spiders and scorpions, also known as a tailless whip scorpion or whip spider. Believe it or not, they are harmless to humans - they are not venomous and only bite when they feel threatened. They eat crickets, lizards, and other insects. Guabás are nocturnal creatures and live in caves or rocky crevices. Their bodies are flat, with front limbs shaped like pincers.
Puertorrican Flag
A symbol of our people, our towns, our homeland. Designed in the last decade of the 19th century, it consists of five horizontal stripes, alternating three red with two white. The red stripes represent the lifeblood and vitality that sustains the government. The white stripes symbolize individual liberty and human rights. The blue triangle stands for liberty, equality and fraternity. Finally, the lone white star represents the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. In 1952, it was officially adopted as the flag of Puerto Rico.
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Vejigante
Son personajes importantes en nuestra cultura por su origen e historia. Se destacan por sus colores, adornos y cuernos. Existen tres estilos de máscaras en Puerto Rico de pueblos y celebraciones diferentes. La primera es Loíza, en el norte de nuestra isla, hecha de cocos por la abundancia de palmas en el área. Representan a los moros musulmanes en la fiesta católica de Santiago Apóstol. La segunda es Ponce, al sur de nuestra isla, hecha de papel maché y usada en carnavales del pueblo. La tercera es Hatillo, al norte de Puerto Rico, hecha de alambre y telas. Representan la persecución del Rey Herodes para evitar un nuevo rey en Jerusalén. ¡Investiga más sobre los vejigantes!
Vejigante
They are important characters of our culture because of their origin and history. They stand out due to their vibrant colors, decorations and horns. Three unique vejigante mask styles exist in Puerto Rico, each tied to different towns and celebrations. The first is from Loíza, in the north of our island, made of coconuts due to the abundance of palm trees in the area. They represent the Muslim Moors during the Catholic Feast of Saint James the Apostle. The second is from Ponce, in the south of the island, made of papier-mâché and used in local carnivals. The third is from Hatillo, in the north, made from wire and fabric. These represent King Herod’s efforts to prevent a new king in Jerusalem. Learn more about the vejigantes!
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Flor de Maga
Flor nacional y especie endémica de Puerto Rico. Pertenece a la familia de las malváceas y su nombre científico es Thespesia grandiflora. Este árbol, de flores rojas con pétalos redondos de 6 a 10 cm de diámetro, también se encuentra en países del Caribe, Sur América, entre otros. Es de clima tropical que produce flores durante todo el año.
Flor de Maga
Sometimes called the Puerto Rican hibiscus despite being an entirely different species of plant. It is our national flower and is endemic to the island. It grows on a tree known as Maga – scientifically known as Thespesia grandiflora - which belongs to the Malvaceae (mallows) family. The Maga tree, which grows these beautiful red flowers with round petals measuring 6 to 10 centimeters in diameter, can also be found in countries throughout the Caribbean, South America and elsewhere. It thrives in tropical climates and blooms year-round.
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Garita del Morro
Construida por los españoles en el siglo XVI para proteger la ciudad de San Juan. Su propósito principal era puestos o torres de vigilancia para divisar posibles ataques a la isla. Ubicados en varias de las fortificaciones del Viejo San Juan, como el Castillo San Cristóbal y el Castillo San Felipe del Morro. Sirven de inspiración para fotógrafos, pintores y artesanos que las han plasmado en sus trabajos.
Garita del Morro
Built by the Spanish during the 16th century to help protect the city of San Juan. Their main purpose was to serve as watchtowers or lookout posts for potential attacks on the island. Located in several of Old San Juan’s fortifications, such as Castillo San Cristóbal and Castillo San Felipe del Morro, garitas serve as inspiration for photographs, painters and artisans who capture them in their works.
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Cotorra Puertorriqueña
Nuestra Amazona Vittata, la única cotorra endémica de Puerto Rico, mide aproximadamente 28 cm de largo. Los taínos la llamaban Iguaca. Es predominantemente verde, con las puntas de las alas azules, totalmente visibles al levantarlas para volar. También tiene una banda roja alrededor del pico. Hasta la fecha, la amazona puertorriqueña se encuentra en peligro crítico de extinción, y desde 1968 se han implementado iniciativas de conservación para protegerla.
Puerto Rican Parrot Amazon
Our Amazona Vittata, the only endemic parrot to Puerto Rico, measures approximately 11 inches in length. The taínos called it Iguaca. It is predominantly green with the tips of its wings being blue, which are fully visible when it lifts its wings to fly. It also has a red-colored band around its beak. To this day, the Puerto Rican amazon remains critically endangered, and since 1968, conservation efforts have been in place to protect the species.
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Nuestra Amazona Vittata, la única cotorra endémica de Puerto Rico, mide aproximadamente 28 cm de largo. Los taínos la llamaban Iguaca. Es predominantemente verde, con las puntas de las alas azules, totalmente visibles al levantarlas para volar. También tiene una banda roja alrededor del pico. Hasta la fecha, la amazona puertorriqueña se encuentra en peligro crítico de extinción, y desde 1968 se han implementado iniciativas de conservación para protegerla.
Our Amazona Vittata, the only endemic parrot to Puerto Rico, measures approximately 11 inches in length. The taínos called it Iguaca. It is predominantly green with the tips of its wings being blue, which are fully visible when it lifts its wings to fly. It also has a red-colored band around its beak. To this day, the Puerto Rican amazon remains critically endangered, and since 1968, conservation efforts have been in place to protect the species.