Fiesta Aquí, Fiesta Allá: Music of Puerto Rico (9th–12th)

Click Here to see this Pathway for grades 3–5

The term Fiesta in Puerto Rican culture means so much more than "party." It describes an activity central to social and communal life. Fiestas date to the Spanish colonial period (1493–1898) and embody the essence of Puerto Rican culture: a blend of Indigenous, European, and African elements and peoples. Over time, the term fiesta has gained both religious and secular meanings.

Whatever its context, a fiesta is a social gathering that involves three main elements: music, dance, and food. These elements cut across geographical boundaries, race, ethnicity, and generations. Fiestas are celebrated year-round, providing continuity to long-held traditions and encouraging the creation of new ones. Fiestas also represent traditions celebrated in other parts of the Caribbean and Latin America, which highlights Puerto Rico’s historical connection to this region.

Join us as we learn about fiestas in Puerto Rico and across the Americas through the 10 themed Lessons below.

This Pathway received federal support from the Latino Initiatives Pool, administered by the Smithsonian Latino Center. It also received in-kind, collaborative support from the Society for Ethnomusicology, the National Association for Music Education, and the Smithsonian Folkways Education Committee.

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