Culture
What greeting is often used in Puerto Rico?
A handshake, with direct eye contact and a welcoming smile is standard.
Maintaining eye contact is crucial as it indicates interest.
When shaking hands, use the appropriate greeting for the time of day - "buenos dias", "buenas noches", or "buenas tardes".
What are the leading industries in Puerto Rico
Pharmaceuticals, electronics, textiles, petrochemicals, processed foods, clothing and textiles.
What is the 5-day party of San Sebastian Street called?
Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastian or Fiestas de la Sanse for short
What is the main Religion of Puerto Rico
Roman Catholicism
If invited to dinner at a Puerto Rican’s home what should you bring?
A gift such as wine, flowers, chocolates or pastries.
Avoid giving gifts of value. Instead, bring something that represents your home country or town. Where given by an individual, gifts are generally opened when received.
However, when gifts are given by a group of people, then the recipient generally opens them in private. This is done in an effort to ensure that comparisons aren’t made between the gifts given.
What kind of government is Puerto Rico under?
Puerto Rico is a self-governing commonwealth in association with the United States. The chief of state is the President of the United States of America.
When is three king day held
January 6
Who pays for the wedding and honeymoon?
The bride's parents pay for the wedding and the groom's parents pay for the honeymoon.
What makes Puerto Rico culture unique
Culture is a series of visual manifestations and integration with the environment that make a region and/ or a group of people different from the rest of the world. With the blend of Taino Indians, Spanish and African cultures, comes a melting pot of people and traditions, as well as the impact of the United States political and social exchange into every aspect of life. Puerto Rican culture is somewhat complex, others will call it colorful as this beautiful country has several unique characteristics that distinguish its culture from any other.
If you are invited to a Puerto Rican’s home, how should you dress?
Dress well, as locals generally take pride in their appearance and judge others on their clothing. If you arrive looking untidy or unkempt, then this will be perceived negatively.
What are the major differences between Puerto Rico and the 50 states
The major differences between Puerto Rico and the 50 states are exemption from some aspects of the Internal Revenue Code, its lack of voting representation in either house of the U.S. Congress (Senate and House of Representatives), the ineligibility of Puerto Ricans residing on the island to vote in presidential elections, and its lack of assignation of some revenues reserved for the states.
Why do Puerto Ricans walk backwards into water at midnight on Saint John's eve and fall 3-7 times
To ensure good luck for the rest of the year
Name a belief custom of Puerto Rico
Spiritualism
Santeria
Afro- Caribbean
How did history influence Puerto Rico’s culture?
People of Puerto Rico represent a cultural and racial mix. During the early 18-century, the Spaniard in order to populate the country took Taino Indian women as brides. Later on as labor was needed to maintain crops and build roads, African slaves were imported, followed by the importation of Chinese immigrants, then continued with the arrival of Italians, French and German.
What is the tipping policy in Puerto Rico?
The influence of the USA in Puerto Rico means that tipping generally mirrors USA culture
Bar tenders should be tipped in the region of $1 per drink
Taxi drivers should receive 10 – 15% of the fare
In terms of restaurants, consider 15% of the bill unless service charge has been applied.
What has the economy been like for Puerto Rico
Until the 1940's, Puerto Rico's economy was dominated by sugar production.
What is the meaning of the response given to the children when asked for the blessing
God bless you
Name 3 other Religions observed in Puerto Rico
Islam, Judaism, and Protestantism
What factors influence Puerto Rico’s culture?
The culture in Puerto Rico is characterized by a wonderful amalgamation of influences, both international and indigenous. However, the culture of the island has been greatly influenced by its history. Some of the most prominent groups in Puerto Rico include Taino, the island’s indigenous group, Spanish, who ruled the territory for centuries, African, which is a direct result of the slave trade and of course, North American.
Give 3 example of table etiquette in Puerto Rico
Wait for the host or hostess to tell you where to sit. There may be a seating plan.
Table manners are Continental -- the fork in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating.
Meals are generally served family style or buffet style.
Guests are served first.
The host says "buen provecho" ("enjoy" or "have a good meal") as an invitation to start eating.
Always keep your hands visible when eating, but do not rest your elbows on the table.
You may leave a small amount of food on your plate when you have finished eating.
When you have finished eating, place your knife and fork across your plate with the prongs facing down and the handles facing to the right.
What is meant by there is Executive Power, Legislative Power, Administrative Divisions and that there is a Judiciary?
The Executive Power is exercised by the Governor, who leads a cabinet conformed by the heads of the commonwealth's executive departments, who in turn must be ratified by the Legislature. The Legislative Power resides in the Senate and in the House of Representatives. As it pertains toAdministrative Divisions, There are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the U.S. Government, but Puerto Rico is divided into 78 "municipios" (municipalities). The Judicial System is directed by the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court is formed by 7 judges (a chief justice and six associate justices) named by the Governor
How old does a senorita have to be to have a quinceanera
15
Name 3 customs of Puerto Rican Weddings
A bridal doll is dressed exactly like the bride for money to pinned on
the groom always wears black, white, or a bashe suits
the reception is held at the bride's parents house
the bride's bouquet is made of wildflowers found only on the island
honeymoon is always Caribbean cruise.