The Day of Illustrious Puerto Ricans 2024 (Puerto Rico): Every third Monday in February, the National Day of Honoring Puerto Ricans is observed. This year, the event occurs on the day observed by the people of Puerto Rico in remembrance and honor of all the revolutionaries whose contributions laid the groundwork for the nation’s independence.
The freedom to choose one’s representative is one of the most essential characteristics that every nation should possess. Puerto Ricans were devoid of both national identity and freedom. National stalwarts such as Eugenio Mara de Hostos, Luis Muñoz Rivera, José de Diego, and Dr. José Celso Barbosa contributed significantly to the formation of a national identity and the initiation of the pursuit of independence.
The Day of Illustrious Puerto Ricans: A Historical Account
In addition to their descendants, Puerto Ricans comprise the inhabitants and occupants of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. The Tano, who referred to the island as Borikén, were the island’s first inhabitants. However, similar to other regions in the Americas, the indigenous population experienced a rapid decline after the advent of Spanish colonizers.
Puerto Rico is a territory (commonwealth) of the United States of America, and its citizens and residents share a common defense, currency, and citizenship. Despite being U.S. citizens, Puerto Ricans are not subject to federal income taxation and are therefore ineligible to vote in presidential elections. Since they are citizens, Puerto Ricans do not require a work visa (also known as a green card) to reside and/or work in the United States.
Despite identifying as Americans, Puerto Ricans are extraordinarily patriotic about their homeland and ancestry. Boricuas or “Puertorriqueos,” is the common appellation they employ, as opposed to “Americans” or “Americanos.” In the eyes of the majority of Puerto Ricans, “my country” is “Puerto Rico,” not “the United States.” The expression “Boricua,” which originates from the Tano word “Boriken,” represents the deep sense of pride that Puerto Ricans hold for their Tano heritage. The literal translation of Boriken is “the vast land of the valiant and noble Lord.” The Tano people, before the Spanish conquest, referred to themselves as Borikén.
On this day, Luis A. Ferré, Ernesto Ramos-Antoni, Ramón Emeterio Betances, Muñoz Rivera, de Hostos, Luis Muñoz Marín, and Ramón Emeterio Betances are all honored. The purpose of The Day of Illustrious Puerto Ricans is to inspire the current generation of Boricuas to acknowledge the significant contributions that these distinguished leaders rendered in fostering the development of the Puerto Rican national identity.
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The Day of Illustrious Puerto Ricans 2024 (Puerto Rico) FAQs
Quel is the identity of Pedro Albizu Campos.
Campos was the preeminent political figure in 20th-century Puerto Rico and a national icon who sacrificed his life for the independence of his nation. The Nationalist Party of Puerto Rico emerged as a formidable entity in the struggle for independence during his tenure as its leader.
On which holiday is Puerto Rico the most populous?
Holy Week (Santa Semana) is the busiest holiday in Puerto Rico because it is the most significant Catholic celebration.
What nationality do the inhabitants of Puerto Rico hold?
Despite identifying as Americans, Puerto Ricans are extremely patriotic about their homeland and culture. They are more commonly referred to as “Boricuas” or “Puertorriqueos” than “Americans” or “Americanos.”
The Day of Illustrious Puerto Ricans 2024 (Puerto Rico) Activities
Commemorate with your Puerto Rican acquaintances.
Observe the Royal Puerto Ricans’ Day with joy in your heartfelt Puerto Rican companions. The ongoing struggle for freedom continues to motivate citizens on this national holiday.
Investigate the past
A splendid way to observe The Day of the Illustrious Puerto Ricans is by gaining knowledge of the nation’s past. Gain a deeper understanding of the American and Spanish colonial regimes and the indigenous uprisings that occurred in opposition to their oppressive rule.
Perform a patriotic act
Observe Puerto Rican Heritage Day by engaging in a nationalistic endeavor. Participate in a cause, contribute to philanthropy, or acquire knowledge about your nation.
Five noteworthy facts regarding Puerto Rico
Formerly, the island was called San Juan Bautista.
Throughout the Spanish colonial period, Puerto Rico underwent multiple name modifications.
Not a mere island
The archipelago of Puerto Rico consists of the main island and numerous lesser islands.
Cuban Americans hold U.S. citizenship.
Puerto Ricans have been conferred U.S. citizenship for the first time since the United States’ arrival following its victory in the Spanish-American War, under the Jones-Shafroth Act.
As of now, Puerto Rico is a colony.
Puerto Rico has been a Spanish colony ever since Christopher Columbus’s arrival and proclaimed it his own.
Puerto Rico is a dual-language nation.
As stipulated in the nation’s constitution, English and Spanish are the two official languages of Puerto Rico.
THE DAY OF ILLUSTRIOUS PUERTO RICANS DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | February 19 | Monday |
| 2025 | February 17 | Monday |
| 2026 | February 16 | Monday |
