A Puerto Rican Celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month in NYC

by Besanya Santiago

National Hispanic Heritage month has arrived! We all know what means, right? Well, if you’ve lived anywhere near us, you should already know this. But let me just say it for my people in the back: NOT EVEN COVID-19 WILL STOP US FROM CELEBRATING ALL MONTH LONG. Punto y se acabó! This is the time to communicate with each other in a way we never have before. The New York City local community needs our support now more than ever. We may not be able to be there physically but we can still be there. Aaaaaand, might I add, we can be there in the comfort of our own home, wearing our pajamas, fuzzy slippers, hair going sixteen different directions with a piña colada in hand and a margarita in queue. I don’t even drink and that sounds fabulous. Vamos allá.

So, what is National Hispanic Heritage Month? A month long celebration in the United States, this is a time period where we honor the cultures and contributions made by Latin Americans throughout the country. In 1968, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed this legislation put forward by Los Angeles Representative Edward R. Roybal. Originally, it was Hispanic Heritage Week but, lets be real, have you met us? Our birthdays alone last an entire month. One week was not enough time to properly pay homage to the list of accomplishments Latin Americans have made. Therefore, in 1988 new legislation was introduced to extend the week into a month from September 15 to October 15. The date was chosen for being the independence day anniversary of five Latin American countries: Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras, Costa Rica and Guatemala. And thanks to George H. W. Bush, as of 1989 we have an entire month paying tribute to those who deserve it most. Albeit Puerto Rico’s political status remains undetermined, this should not diminish the numerous contributions Puerto Ricans have made in this country. From independence advocate Ramón Emeterio Betances to Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor, Puerto Ricans have traveled far to get to where we are today. And yes, there is still progress to be made. But for now, lets take a pause to reflect, recognize and celebrate the accomplishment of some pretty inspiring Boricuas. And don’t forget that piña colada.

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Take A Salsa Class

Although salsa music didn’t technically originate in Puerto Rico, it is an immense part of the culture. The roots of salsa came from Eastern Cuba from the Cuban Son as well as Afro-Cuban dance. During the 1950s, it traveled to New York City where it continued to develop within the Puerto Rican community. So, if there is one thing New York City is not short of, it is salsa dance classes. Founded by dancer and choreographer Tina Ramirez, the Ballet Hispánico is a dance company representative of Hispanic culture in the United States. They perform all over the world while offering a variety of dance classes for ages 3+ that are now available online. Salsa Tuesdays is just one of the many awesome virtual dance courses on the schedule.

Upcoming Events: Wepa Wednesday performances feat. Bombazo Dance Company

Learn To Cook Mofongo

A must try staple of Puerto Rican cuisine, Mofongo is even better when made at home. And if you have dietary restrictions, this is a simple way to fearlessly enjoy a new culinary culture by substituting ingredients as you see fit. Two exceptional channels are Sweets and Beyond and Cooking Con Omi for teaching Puerto Rican recipes. They’re also a useful tool for Spanish learners to get an additional benefit by learning to cook a new recipe while mastering new vocabulary without even realizing it. One of the most popular videos? Making mofongo. And let me just go ahead and co-sign that the recipe is on point.

Local Restaurants for Mofongo: Casa Adela and The Freakin’ Rican Restaurant

Pick up a Book

Literature may not be the first thing that comes to mind when people think of Puerto Rico but it’s actually about as old as the country itself. It was officially born in 1843 when a book of short stories and poetry named El Aguinaldo Puertorriqueño was published by a group of young authors. Since then, many incredible writers such as Eugenio Maria de Hostos, Lola Rodriguez and Julia de Burgos continued to shape the foundations of Puerto Rico’s literary movement, making it what it is today. A few must-read contemporary books include When I Was Puerto Rican by Esmeralda Santiago, War Against All Puerto Ricans by Nelson Denis and We Fed An Island by José Andrés.

Local Bookstores: Mil Mundos Books, Cafe Con Libros and Libreria Barco de PapelMil Mundos Books

Watch Musical Performances

The Hostos Center for Arts and Culture has been an integral part of the artistic community since 1982. Part of the CUNY network, it was the first college named after a Puerto Rican (yep, the same Eugenio Maria de Hostos previously mentioned here). They are a name well worth knowing as they are constantly giving the Latin American community a voice. Another great organization is The Puerto Rican Traveling Theater. Founded by iconic Puerto Rican actress Miriam Colón, their main focus is to exhibit works that promote cultural awareness, all while opening up artistic opportunities to those within their own community. And luckily for us, both institutions have made all their performances available online.

Upcoming Events: BomPlenazo 2020 and The Greater Good Theater Festival

Listen To Podcasts

Living in New York City, listening to podcasts is an an essential part of any commute. And as much we just love the eclectic variety of live performances on the metro, sometimes we could use a change of scenery. Podcasts are an ideal way to learn about Latin American culture in addition to keeping up with current events. Latino USA produced by NPR and hosted by Maria Hinojosa is popular due to its cross cultural nature in discussing political and social topics. Up for a language challenge? Directly from Puerto Rico, Siempre es Lunes is a fun, light hearted podcast that will submerge you headfirst into the Puerto Rican dialect. If you’re simply looking to have a good laugh, check out Latinos Out Loud and Bodega Boys.

Noteworthy Episodes: Bobby Sanabria Reimagines West Side Story and Death of a Blood Sport

Lose Yourself in Art

A classic New York City institution, El Museo del Barrio specializes in Latin American and Caribbean Art with a strong emphasis on Puerto Rican culture. They offer a vast collection of film, literary, visual arts as well as a performing arts series and educational programs. While their in-person collection is somewhat limited at the moment, they are also showcasing virtual exhibitions on their website. Furthermore, the museum has also teamed up with various local organizations to provide performances, workshops and discussions online and throughout the city.

Current Exhibitions: El Taller Boricua: A Political Print Shop in New York City and Popular Painters & Other Visionaries

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Looking for more ways to support the local community? Consider making a donation to any of these awesome organizations. You can find information on how you can contribute directly on their websites. Life is, without a doubt, still pretty tough in communities across the world. But it’s important to acknowledge that we’ve been transported to this rare window of time where we can actually connect with humans we never would have connected with otherwise. So, lets take advantage of this by raising our glasses and celebrating our differences. Because without them, this would be a reeeeeaaally boring world to live in. Salud!

About the Author

Besanya Santiago (IG: @besanyasantiago) is an actress, writer and musician based in New York City. She is best known for her work on the Netflix series Orange is the New Black. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, studying language and traveling the world.

Check out more of her work at https://besanyasantiago.com/

(Thumbnail photo by by Lena Eriksson)

The Must Try Staples of Puerto Rican Cuisine

by Besanya Santiago

Travelers around the world would agree that aside from the friendly locals and captivating landscapes, the cuisine is a reason in and of itself to travel to Latin America. Within each dish, you can truly taste the depth of flavor, passion and love that goes into it. Food isn’t just food. It’s an experience. It’s a story. It’s a way of life. We don’t eat to live. We live to eat. However, it’s important to understand that Latin American cuisine is very diverse. Although some countries do share similarities, each one has its own history and with that, its own distinctive cuisine. In Puerto Rico, this cuisine is called La Cocina Criolla.

La Cocina Criolla, which literally means “Creole Cooking,” is somewhat different than what one might expect. Most notably, it is not spicy. This is a major misconception about Puerto Rican cooking. Countless travelers arrive to the island expecting foods that are as spicy as in countries like Mexico and are consistently disappointed when this is not the case. That’s not to say that no one eats spicy food there. We all know there are exceptions to everything. But it’s simply not what Puerto Rico is known for. More often than not, when you ask for hot sauce in a restaurant, they will give you a bottle of pique. This a homemade sauce that to the average Mexican is, well, kind of a joke.

So what is Puerto Rican cuisine best known for? One word: FLAVOR. With its roots and cooking traditions from Spain, Africa and the native Taínos, the locals have managed to develop a cuisine so diverse and profound in flavor, it is impossible for you to leave the table without an immense smile on your face. And considering the enormous portion sizes, it may even be impossible for you to leave the table at all. But really, that’s kind of the goal. As we like to say, barriga llena, corazón contento. In other words, a full stomach is a joyful heart. And what better way to achieve this than to try out some of the top Puerto Rican staples?

Mofongo

You do not travel to Puerto Rico without trying mofongo. It is a dish made with fried green plantains mashed together with garlic, salt, olive oil and broth, which is then formed into a ball with meat and chicharrón (pork cracklings). Normally, it is served with pernil on the inside (slow-roasted pork) but can also be made with steak, shrimp, chicken, octopus and even vegetables. Although, if you’re a traveling to Puerto Rico to just eat vegetables…good luck.

Mofongo

Pasteles

Traditionally eaten around the holidays, pasteles have a resemblance to Mexican tamales but are completely different in taste and ingredients. The masa, or dough, is made from plantains, pumpkins, yautía or sometimes yuca. The meat inside is prepared as a stew that is generally pork based but other meats can also be used. All of this is wrapped up in a banana leaf, boiled and served with rice and beans. Please note: These are extremely labor intensive, which can make them difficult to find. If you see them on a menu, order them right then and there.

Tripleta

If you have problems getting out of your chair after eating Cuban sandwiches, you’ll want to be near a bed after eating a tripleta. This sandwich is serious. You’ve got beef. You’ve got chicken. You’ve got pork. You’ve got crispy potato sticks. All slathered in ketchup, mustard, mayo and gently held together by your choice of freshly baked pan sobao or pan de agua. I highly suggest sharing it with someone. But respect if you can finish one by yourself.

Tripleta

Lechón

Another holiday staple, this one can be found year round. It’s an entire suckling pig cooked over charcoal for several hours and rotated by hand on a spit. In addition to rice and beans, it is also typically served with mofongo, which is the ultimate way to experience this dish. Although not exclusive to Puerto Rico, they are masters of it. There’s even a specific place dedicated to it. Tucked away in the town of Guaváte, the lechón route is one of the best spots to enjoy the authentic flavors of this masterpiece. And don’t worry, there’s a Planet Fitness conveniently located in San Juan if calories are a concern.

Asopao

If chicken stew and paella had a baby, it would be named Asopao. This is the dish that always reminds us of home. With ingredients like sofrito, achiote, oregano, cilantro and garlic, this soup has all the essential, aromatic flavors of Puerto Rico. It’s also the ideal food to eat if you’re traveling on a budget. It’s super filling, incredibly flavorful and relatively inexpensive to make.

Asopao

Pinchos

Spanish for “Spikes,” Pinchos are Puerto Rico’s version of the kebab. This is the go-to street food that can usually be found in makeshift stands throughout the island. They are commonly prepared with marinated pork or chicken, onion and peppers, then grilled to perfection and topped with a piece of bread lightly brushed in garlicky, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth goodness. And always, always, ask for an extra slice of bread when you order. Your endorphins will thank you later.

Tostones

Ahhh, plantains. Where would Puerto Rico be without you? I like to call tostones next-level plantains. They are generally served as a side dish but can also be an appetizer. Tostones are less sweet than maduros, their more popular cousin. Made with green plantains, they are fried, smashed and then fried AGAIN – because why not? The end product is a crispy, golden circle that will eventually replace your fork as you make your way through your plate of arroz con gandules (rice and pigeon peas). And don’t forget to try the garlic dipping sauce that accompanies them. We love our garlic.

Ensalada de Mariscos

A trip to an island is simply not complete without tasting the local seafood. Although the ensalada de mariscos, or seafood salad, looks a lot like ceviche, it is not the same dish. Everything on the plate is cooked prior to serving. The salad is made with octopus, conch and shrimp mixed with lemon juice, olive oil, white vinegar, olives, red onions and bell peppers. And if it is not served with tostones…..run. Seafood should always be accompanied with tostones. You may also just see ensalada de pulpo or ensalada de carrucho, since octopus and conch tend to be more popular.

More Resources

Want to learn more about Puerto Rican food or maybe even try some recipes yourself? Some great YouTube channels to check out are Jeff and Jo’s Puerto Rican Kitchen, Eat, Drink, Share, Puerto Rico and Sweets and Beyond. Puerto Ricans are experts in infusing joy into its culinary culture. They may not have their own “ultimate gastronomy destinations” episode on Netflix, but it doesn’t take a chef to appreciate the beautiful simplicity this cuisine has to offer. Whether you’re a tourist, a traveler, in town for business or an expat, this food will continuously make you feel like part of the Boricua family. So, grab a plate and make yourselves at home. Buen provecho!

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About the Author

Besanya Santiago is an actress, writer and musician based in New York City. She is best known for her work on the Netflix series Orange is the New Black. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, studying language and traveling the world.

Read more of her work at besanyasantiago.com.

The Words And History That Make Puerto Rican Spanish Unique

by Besanya Santiago

Within Latin America, each country has specific words in their dialect that can be completely foreign to other Spanish speakers. Puerto Rico is no different. Since we’ve already discussed the ins and outs of Puerto Rican slang, now lets move on to some common everyday vocabulary.

Puerto Rican Spanish is largely influenced by Andalusia and The Canary Islands in Spain. Many farmers and commoners from these regions came to Puerto Rico in hopes of establishing a better life in the Americas. After some time, Spaniards from other regions arrived as well as European settlers from France, Italy, Ireland, Scotland and Germany. There was even a large number of Arabs and Chinese that migrated to the island. Puerto Rico has an incredibly diverse history. And when you add to this the languages of the African slaves, the language of the Taínos as well as the English imposed by the United States? That’s a pretty intense melting pot of language.

Although this history gives the dialect depth and originality, using certain words from other varieties of Spanish can result in misunderstandings and confusion. For the most part, they are fairly harmless and usually result in having a good laugh. But there are also words to watch out for in order to avoid offending the wrong person. This isn’t usually a concern, though, since Puerto Ricans tend to be incredibly awesome and easy going people (no bias here whatsoever). So, lets get into some of these variations and continue your journey to sounding like a Boricua.

Naranja vs. China

Commonly mistaken for the country, China actually refers to an Orange. The fruit originated thousands of years ago in Southern China, from where it spread throughout India and parts of Southeast Asia. Portuguese sailors eventually brought these sweet delicacies to Portugal and Spain, where they were called China Oranges (naranjas de la China) to distinguish them from the more tart oranges they were accustomed to. In fact, the word naranja comes from the sanskrit word for orange, naranga. Some of us kept naranja and some of us kept china. So no, jugo de china is not juice from China.

Guineo vs. Banana

Since bananas were originally thought to have originated from West Africa, this is where the word guineo comes in. European settlers used to refer to Africa as Guinea. When the Portuguese brought bananas to Latin America, the name came right along with it. Although it is now known that bananas came from Southeast Asia and the South Pacific, the name guineo stuck. Nothing wrong with being an OG.

Guagua vs. Autobus

Although it does sound like a baby crying (it actually is the word for ‘baby’ in Chile), the term guagua is, in fact, a public bus. This word hails specifically from the Canary Islands. It is believed to have come from the name of the US bus company Wa Wa and Co. that provided public transportation throughout the islands. The pronunciation can vary (wawa vs guagua) but what doesn’t vary are the crazed looks I get in other countries when I use this instead of autobus.

Zafacón vs. Basurero

Zafacón is a trash can in both Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic. After the end of the Islamic Era in the Iberian Peninsula, many Arabs joined the Spaniards in their journey to conquer new territories. A zafaca, which is a clay container in Arabic, is what they used to collect the waste that fed pigs. The word later developed into zafacón. As it happens, Arabic is the second-largest language that influenced Spanish, after Latin.

Insectos vs. Bichos

If you don’t remember any of these terms, try to remember this: Do NOT use the term bichos in Puerto Rico. It is the only country in Latin America in which it does not mean insect. It’s very vulgar. Simply use insectos and you’ll be fine. As a Puerto Rican, the most insane thing I constantly hear is: Éste bicho no me quiere dejar quieta (this “insect” won’t leave me alone). I’ll leave it to your Google search to find out why.

Lechosa vs. Papaya

Both of these terms can be used to describe the same fruit. However, the word lechosa was initially used to describe an unripened papaya. In Puerto Rico, there is a popular dessert called dulce de lechosa (candied papaya). To make it, you need to use an unripened papaya. When this type of papaya is cut open, it releases a thick juice that’s milky in quality. Lechosa literally means milky, which is how the fruit got its name.

Sorbeto vs. Pajita

A drinking straw can be translated into tons of different ways in Latin America. From pitillo and popote (Colombia and México) to absorbente and bombilla (Cuba and Chile), things can get confusing very quickly. Here’s the Puerto Rico version: Sorbeto comes from the Spanish word sorber, which means ‘to sip’. That’s it. Yea…we prefer to keep things nice and easy. #islandlife

Bizcocho vs. Pastel

This word for ‘cake’ also came along with the Spaniards. Originating from the Latin word bis-coctus, it describes a type of bread cooked twice to prevent it from spoiling. FYI: Be mindful when using this word in other Latin American countries. Depending on where you go, it can have an entirely different meaning and may even be offensive. And yes, this is a recurring theme in the Spanish speaking world with many seemingly innocent words.

Embuste vs. Mentira

This is a term used very often but whose origins are relatively unknown. An embuste is a lie and an embustero is a liar. You’ll also hear the word paquetero to describe a person who lies all the time. The speculation is that it came from the Latin word impostorem, meaning impostor, and that it was brought over by the French. Interestingly enough, French immigration to Puerto Rico was one of the largest in number, second only to the Spanish.

Enfogonar vs. Enojar

A verb defined as ‘to anger,’ enfogonar came from the Spanish word enfogar, which literally means ‘kindle’ or ‘ignite’. And if you’ve ever angered a Puerto Rican, you should already understand why this is probably the best word choice to describe what you experienced afterwards.

Other Useful Vocabulary

Chiringa – Kite
Muerto – Speed Bump
Marquesina – Garage
Habichuelas – Beans
Mahones – Jeans
Balompié – Soccer
Carro – Car
Brincar – to jump
Pillo – thief

Jíncho (a) – Pale
Sato – Mixed breed dog
Averiguao (a) – Nosy
Gafas – Sunglasses
Espejuelos – Eye glasses
Aguantar – To hold
Abaníco – Fan
Molestar – to bother
Bruto (a) – dumb

Not so bad, right?

These are just some of the many Puerto Rican words you will come across. And of course, they all vary by region. It may be overwhelming to learn them, particularly if you’re more familiar with a contrasting dialect. But know that once you become accustomed to the sounds of the Puerto Rican accent, the words will make more sense. Words and sounds within a language or dialect always work hand-in-hand to create a complementary cultural harmony. So just sit back, relax and listen to the musical notes of each individual phrase. It’s just a matter of time before you’ll be able to compose your own song and easily dance to the intricate rhythms of the Puerto Rican dialect.

About the Author

Besanya Santiago (IG: @besanyasantiago) is is an actress and writer based in New York City. She is best known for her work on the Netflix series Orange is the New Black. As a multi linguist, she enjoys helping others gain a deeper understanding of language and culture. Originally from Puerto Rico, her aim is to bring an authentic perspective about Caribbean life to people from all over the world. Check out her website, www.besanyasantiago.com.

(Thumbnail Photo by Amy Irizarry from Pixabay)

The Puerto Rican Dialect: An essential guide to sounding like a Boricua

by Besanya Santiago

Ahhh, Puerto Rico. La Isla del Encanto. The quintessential getaway for any person seeking an enchanting paradise to escape from their day-to-day routine. An island where, even when it’s raining, the sun still radiates through the smiles of its local people. The warmth is palpable in the way the island embraces you the moment you set foot onto it. In every woman, you will find your abuela, your mami, your hermana and titi. And as a Spanish learner, this is the perfect place to arrive, listen to the local language and say to yourself: WHAT THE HELL DID SHE JUST SAY?

Yeeeaaa, I know. Latinos usually agree that the Spanish from Puerto Rico is one of the most challenging dialects to understand. Some time ago, I met a woman from Argentina who said to me: “When Puerto Ricans speak Spanish, they sound like they’re rapping a Reggaeton song during the entire conversation.” She’s not wrong. We speak insanely fast and use slang in every other sentence. Additionally, there are certain words that are more or less the same in other countries but drastically different in Puerto Rico.

Ay dios mio…

Puerto Rico was originally named Borikén, a Taíno word translated as “land of the brave people.” The Taínos are an indigenous people who have lived on the island since prior to Spain’s colonization. When Christopher Columbus arrived in 1493, it was renamed to Puerto Rico, meaning “rich port”. This was due to its abundance of natural resources in addition to having generous amounts of gold nuggets in its rivers. Today, Puerto Ricans refer to themselves as Boricuas in order to illustrate recognition of their Taíno heritage. The dialect is a mix of the Taíno, Spanish and English language with African pronunciations, making it truly distinctive. Locals will be tremendously impressed if you manage to include some Puerto Rican slang into your Spanish. Lets explore this dialect further and get you sounding like a true Boricua.

Nuestro acento

It’s important to mention that accents always vary by region. These language tendencies will not apply to everyone. Some may not use any of them. However, these are the most recognizable characteristics of the Puerto Rican dialect. I just wanted to make that clear to avoid getting bulldozed by a fellow compatriot: “OYE PERO YO NO HABLO ASI!!!!! “

Love you, mi gente. Vamos allá.

The letter “R”

We’re constantly made fun of for this one. We roll our R’s only sometimes. More often than not, the R is pronounced as an L. Puerta is Puelta. Porque is Polque. Verde is Velde. However, this is not the case if the R is at the beginning of a word. Puerto Rico would be pronounced Puelto Rico. In certain regions, the R is never rolled. Instead the guttural R is used, which sounds identical to the R in French.

The letter “D”

Almost non-existent in word endings. We don’t say cerrado. We say cerrao. Pegado is pegao. However, if there is another D in the same word, it is still pronounced. Confundido would be confundio.

The letter “S”

Frankly, I don’t even know why we include this one in our alphabet. Again, almost non-existent and sounds like an H. Cómo estás turns into cómo ehtah. Pescar is Pehcal (don’t forget to make that R an L!) and mezclar is mehclal. The letter Z functions exactly like the S.

Word endings

These tend to be chopped off. The word para is actually pa. Therefore, para nada becomes pa’ na’ and para que becomes pa’ que. It also occurs in feminine words that would ordinarily drop the letter D. For instance, cerrado becomes cerrao but when speaking about a feminine object, it then becomes cerra. So now you can say: La puelta ehta cerra.

Nuestro Dialecto

Slang words are used quite often in Puerto Rico. Try to incorporate some of these fun expressions into your everyday Spanish to truly immerse yourself in the dialect.

“Ay Bendito!”
You cannot leave Puerto Rico without hearing this one. It’s used to express pity, shock, anger and sometimes even sarcasm. Similar to the expression “oh my gosh.”

Example: Ay bendito, pero que te pasó? / Oh my goodness, what happened to you?

“Janguear”
One of the most well-known examples of Spanglish meaning “to hang out.”

Example: Vamos a janguear esta noche? / Are we hanging out tonight?

“Wepa”
This is as Boricua as it gets. You don’t say it. You yell it. It demonstrates pride and joy, particularly in situations where people are feeling patriotic. Which for us is ALL. THE. TIME.

Example: Ricky renunció!!! Weeeeeeeeepaaaaaaaaa!!!!!! / Ricky (Rosselló) quit! YAAAASSSSSS!!!!

“Revolú”
Used to describe loud commotions and disorder. An absolute racket.

Example: Oístes el revolú que hubo anoche? / Did you hear that racket last night?

“Brutal”
A compliment used to describe something that is beyond incredible. It has the same strength as the word “brutal” in English but for something good. And there’s a lot of intensity behind it when spoken.

Example: Nena, el pelo te quedó brutal! / Girl, your hair turned out incredible!

“Pichear”
To forget or ignore something in the maximum way possible. “Ghosting” is probably the most accurate description.

Example: Antes tu me pichabas, ahora yo picheo…. #badbunnyforever / Before you ignored me, now I ignore you…

“Al garete”
Something that is disorganized, out of control or a complete mess. In a more literal sense, it means “without a given path.”

Example: No pongas las manzanas así al garete. / Don’t place the apples like that, all disorganized.

“Bochiche”
Gossip. A person who gossips constantly is called a Bochinchero(a).

Example: Esa madre tuya es una bochinchera. / Your mother is such a gossip.

“Fó”
There is no translation for this. It’s what you say when you smell something awful or see someone doing something gross. Usually preceded by an ay.

Example: Ay, fó! Limpiáte esos pies que apestan! / Ew! Clean your feet, they stink!

“Corillo”
A large group of people or friends. Simply put: your people.

Example: Dile al corillo que vamos pa’ la playa! / Tell the crew we’re going to the beach!

“Pana”
A very close friend. Someone who is a partner-in-crime and you trust completely. Not to be confused with the delicious breadfruit in Puerto Rico also called Pana (even though I would trust that Pana with my life, too.)

Example: Manuel, mi pana, como estamos? / Manuel, my friend, how we doing?

“Perreo / Perrear”

The Boricua way to dance and party. And party hard. And usually to Reggaeton music.

Example: Prepárate que esta noche nos vamos de perreo! / Get ready, tonight we’re gonna party it up!

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Now it’s your turn!

Try them out! And don’t worry if you can’t make it all the way to Puerto Rico. We are everywhere and are especially known for being warm, social beings. So, grab your corillo and head to the nearest discoteca for a long night of perreo. Order some piña coladas and engage is some real life Puerto Rican bochinche. By the end of the night, you’re sure to be officially recognized as a Boricua de corazón. WEPA!

About the Author

Besanya Santiago Ayala (IG: @besanyasantiago) is an actress, world traveler and writer based in New York City. She is best known for her work on the Netflix series Orange is the New Black. As a multilinguist, she enjoys helping others achieve an extensive understanding of language and culture. Originally from Puerto Rico, her aim is to bring an authentic perspective about Caribbean life to people from all over the world. Check out her website, www.besanyasantiago.com.

Thumbnail photo by Ernesto Tapia on Unsplash.