If you want to experience practical learning about Puerto Rico’s culture, there is an interesting way to do so: socialize. That is, mingle with locals. You may ask the lodging staff about places where Puerto Ricans usually hang out and at the same time welcome travelers. In general, Puerto Ricans are friendly and hospitable. Their primary language is Spanish and the secondary is English. A large group of them speak both languages. Even if you try to communicate with a local who only speaks Spanish, there is a probability that a Puerto Rican in the same place can help translate the communication. For your convenience, we share the following suggestions on how to experience Puerto Rican culture while bonding with locals.

1) Ask a Puerto Rican for the Recipe of a Local Dish of your Preference

After having tasted Puerto Rican food from various restaurants or other establishments, commence the quest of identifying a local who can share a good recipe of your favorite plate, appetizer o dessert. For instance, you may request help from lodging staff members as they may give you their own recipe or try to find one from family, friends or acquaintances. Another option is bonding with locals in a touristic place and then trying to get that recipe from one of them. We find the above to be engaging as it entails socializing with Puerto Ricans and learning about its gastronomy firsthand rather than just finding a recipe from a website or book. Of course, the last step is following the recipe directions to cook your preferred Puerto Rican food.

2) Visit a Bar where Puerto Ricans Hang Out

Many Puerto Ricans like fraternizing in bar establishments. You may contact lodging staff members and inquire about recommendable bars where locals are the main clientele and choose based on your ambience preferences. Once in the bar, you may try to get to know some locals by first informing the country where you are from, the Puerto Rico places you have visited, and your favorite attractions so far. As the conversations flow, you may end up partying with locals. That is a cultural experience!

3) Dance to the Puerto Rican Rhythm among Locals

One of the main Puerto Rican music genres is salsa. Other locals like to dance to the sounds of Puerto Rican urban music. You may ask the lodging staff for suggestions about places where you can dance among locals, based on the music and atmosphere of your choice. For example, if you want to learn how to dance salsa, you may consider visiting some places in Old San Juan district, where you can see locals dancing nonstop and try to learn the basics from watching or from some locals who may like giving a practical lesson for beginners. This could end up being an opportunity to excitingly immerse in Puerto Rican culture and have fun.

Enjoy Puerto Rican cultural amusements as you spend time with a great treasure of Puerto Rico: its people.