Town of Loíza

There are many aspects of African heritage in the town of Loíza that still live in the souls of the people from Loíza, such as: agriculture, music, dance and food. Loíza is called the capital of tradition since it is one of the few places where African heritage is so clearly manifested through culture. African heritage has a major influence on Puerto Rican culture, and this town celebrates how the African ancestors of the island used to live. In Loíza, you can see how people work hard to maintain agriculture, and how they insist on using their own produce for cooking the traditional foods of the island. Moreover, in this town you can see how the energetic personality of the Puerto Rican people is reflected through dances and music with the rhythm of ‘Bomba y Plena’, traditional music of the island.

           The traditional music of Puerto Rico is ‘Bomba y Plena’, which tells the story of the miscegenation of the island's population, highlighting the island's African heritage. In the town of Loíza, there are multiple folk groups that make the music of ‘Bomba y Plena’ stand out, such as: ‘Hermanos Ayala’ and ‘Los Mayombes’. The music of ‘Bomba y Plena’ is considered a social movement because it takes into consideration the African heritage and the presence of Black people that have cultural knowledge of the island. ‘Bomba y Plena’ music is also considered to educate the people about their own culture and minimize racism. This music genre can be heard in every corner of the island when visiting, it distinguishes itself with the pattern of sounds from drums and maracas; this is the type of music that connects the culture of Puerto Rico with its African heritage.

           The biggest factors that move the economy of the island are agriculture and tourism. In the town of Loíza, people work hard to sow and reap sugar cane, coconut and other fruits which are very attractive for all tourists who visit the town. Additionally, in Loíza the poeple grow plantains because these are used in the making of many traditional dishes of Puerto Rico, such as: mofongo and tostones. There is a famous place in Loíza called Piñones, which is near the beach and offers a variety of the best dishes of Puerto Rico; this place is visited by many tourists from around the world every year. In Loíza, in addition to agriculture, inhabitants also practice fishing very frequently because fish makes up parts of traditional dishes that are prepared daily and attract the tourists that visit, therefore, it also helps the local economy.

           The culture of the island is described as a festive and joyful one, where music and food are the biggest standouts of the culture. Around Puerto Rico, there are many places with the same energetic vibes that celebrate the personality of the people from Puerto Rico. Dance and music are two of the aspects that the culture from the island obtained in large part from its African heritage. Despite the years, the presence of the island's African heritage is still present in the daily life of Puerto Ricans. Many rituals and messages of Puerto Rico's African heritage are expressed through dance and music, which are still practiced in many parts of the island. One of the towns of Puerto Rico with the biggest impact from its African heritage is Loíza. Even though this town is in the metropolitan area of the island, that many believe lacks a connection with its African heritage, the town reflects the lives of its African successors including some negative aspects such as a lack of resources, but also an abundant festivity. The culture of Puerto Rico is mixed with the diversity of American and African cultures, and the town of Loíza focuses on keeping the traditions that African ancestors left in the island.

           The past of Puerto Rico still lives in the hearts of the people from Loíza, they strive to keep the traditions of African heritage alive that distinguish the culture of the island. More than just a town, Loíza is a social movement that teaches younger generations about their culture. At the same time, it presents the culture to every tourist that comes to visit the island. Loíza is saving the traditions of the island while working hard to mobilize and contribute to the island’s economy through agriculture and high demand for tourism. These are some of the many reasons to highlight the town of Loíza in Puerto Rico, a town that has so much to offer to the whole world. Full of culture and hardworking people, this town is a very important destination to visit because it is a town that can show how some of the most important historical and cultural aspects of Puerto Rico that derive from African culture still live in the population of today. 

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Rivera-Rideau, P. R. (2013). From Carolina to Loíza: Race, place and Puerto Rican racial democracy. Identities, Vol. 20 (5), No.616-632.