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Get ready to celebrate the discovery of a beautiful island paradise on Discovery of Puerto Rico Day, which falls on November 19! This day commemorates the arrival of Christopher Columbus to the island in 1493, and marks an important moment in history for both Puerto Rico and Spain. Since then, Puerto Rico has become a vibrant and culturally rich destination, known for its stunning beaches, delicious food, and warm hospitality. So let's take this day to appreciate all that Puerto Rico has to offer and learn more about its fascinating past.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1493</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Columbus Lands on Puerto Rico</div><div class='timeline-text'>Christopher Columbus arrives in Puerto Rico during his second voyage, marking the first European contact with the island.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1508</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Spanish Settlement Established</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León establishes Caparra, the first Spanish settlement in Puerto Rico.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1898</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>American Occupation</div><div class='timeline-text'>Puerto Rico becomes a territory of the United States following the Spanish–American War.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1917</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>U.S. Citizenship Granted</div><div class='timeline-text'>U.S. President Woodrow Wilson signs the Jones-Shafroth Act, granting U.S. citizenship to Puerto Ricans.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1952</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Commonwealth Status</div><div class='timeline-text'>Puerto Rico officially becomes a commonwealth of the United States, adopting its own constitution.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1993</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Discovery of Puerto Rico Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>Puerto Rico celebrates the first official Discovery of Puerto Rico Day, 500 years after Columbus's arrival.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a Puerto Rican feast</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Invite friends over for a traditional Puerto Rican feast, complete with dishes like arroz con gandules, mofongo, and pasteles. This is a delicious way to celebrate the flavors of Puerto Rico.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit a Puerto Rican cultural festival</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many cities have annual cultural festivals that celebrate different cultures, including Puerto Rican culture. Attend one of these festivals to learn more about the traditions, music, and food of Puerto Rico.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Watch a documentary about Puerto Rico</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take some time to learn about the history and culture of Puerto Rico by watching a documentary. This is a great way to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for this beautiful island.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Take a salsa dancing class</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Salsa dancing is a popular dance style in Puerto Rico. Find a local class and learn some new moves to celebrate Puerto Rican culture in a fun and active way.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Plan a trip to Puerto Rico</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>What better way to celebrate the discovery of Puerto Rico than by visiting the island itself? Start planning your trip and get ready to experience the beauty, history, and culture of this amazing destination.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Celebrates cultural diversity</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Discovery of Puerto Rico Day is a time to celebrate the rich culture and history of the island. It recognizes the blending of different cultures and traditions that have shaped Puerto Rican society, making it a unique and beautiful place.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Honors achievement and resilience</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>This day also commemorates the bravery and determination of early explorers in discovering Puerto Rico. It serves as a reminder of how far the island has come and highlights its ongoing strength in the face of adversity.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Provides an opportunity for education</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>For those who may not be familiar with Puerto Rican history and culture, Discovery of Puerto Rico Day offers a chance for learning and understanding. It is an opportunity to appreciate and celebrate this vibrant Caribbean nation.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Puerto Rico Is a Biodiversity Haven</h3><p class='facts-content'>Despite its small size, Puerto Rico is home to thousands of plant species, hundreds of bird species, and numerous unique animals, making it a biodiversity hotspot.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Arecibo Observatory Houses One Of The World's Largest Radio Telescopes</h3><p class='facts-content'>Located in Puerto Rico, the Arecibo Observatory houses one of the world's largest radio telescopes playing a crucial role in astronomical discoveries and research.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Puerto Rico Has The Longest Christmas Season In The World</h3><p class='facts-content'>Puerto Ricans celebrate Christmas from after Thanksgiving in late November until the end of the San Sebastian Street Festival in mid-January.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Coqui Frog Is A National Symbol</h3><p class='facts-content'>Named for its distinctive "co-kee" sound, this tiny tree frog is endemic to Puerto Rico and holds cultural significance to Puerto Ricans.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Puerto Rico's El Yunque Is The Only Tropical Rainforest In The U.S. National Forest System</h3><p class='facts-content'>El Yunque National Forest is a tropical rainforest in northeastern Puerto Rico renowned for its unique plants, wildlife, and bioluminescent bays.</p></div></div>
Discovery of Puerto Rico Day is celebrated on November 19 every year. In 2024, Discovery of Puerto Rico Day will fall on a Tuesday.
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