From Borikén to Puerto Rico

Dual Dialects
Jul 11, 2025
2 min read

Puerto Rico is a beautiful island that has a deep and complex history, a strong cultural identity, and a powerful connection to both Latin America and the United States. But how did Puerto Rico become what it is today?

Long before it was called Puerto Rico, the island was known as Borikén, the original homeland of the Taíno people, its original Indigenous inhabitants. In 1493, Christopher Columbus arrived to the island during his second voyage to the Americas, and by the early 1500s, Spain had colonized the island, naming it “Puerto Rico” or “rich port” for its promising natural resources and strategic location.

After the European arrival, Spanish brought Africans to Puerto Rico. As the Indigenous Taíno population declined due to disease, forced labor, and violence, the Spanish turned to the transatlantic slave trade to meet labor demands, particularly in gold mining and later in sugar plantations. Enslaved Africans were forcibly taken from West and Central Africa and brought to Puerto Rico through ports like San Juan. Despite the brutal conditions they faced, Africans and their descendants made lasting cultural contributions to Puerto Rican music, language, religion, and food, shaping the island’s identity in powerful and enduring ways.

For over 400 years, Puerto Rico remained under Spanish rule, developing a unique mix of Spanish, African, and Indigenous cultures. But in 1898, following the Spanish-American War, the island was ceded to the United States.

Puerto Ricans became U.S. citizens in 1917, and by the mid-20th century, waves of migration to the mainland U.S. began, especially to cities like New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Orlando. Many came in search of work, better schools, and economic stability. This movement, often called the Great Migration, created strong Puerto Rican communities across the U.S., and gave rise to cultural movements like Nuyorican poetry and music.

Today, Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, meaning its people are U.S. citizens but cannot vote in presidential elections and have limited representation in Congress. The island has faced significant challenges, including economic struggles, hurricanes like Maria in 2017, and ongoing debates over its political status, whether it should remain a territory, become a U.S. state, or pursue independence.

Yet, Puerto Rico remains resilient and rich in culture, from its lively music (salsa, reggaetón, bomba y plena) to its delicious foods (like mofongo and arroz con gandules), and vibrant traditions like Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián. Puerto Ricans continue to contribute to the arts, politics, sports, and education, not only on the island, but all across the globe.

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