National traditions of Puerto Rico. Habits, mentality and the way of living

The population of Puerto Rico is an enchanting mixture of races and cultures. Spanish, Afro-Caribbean, and Taíno blood flows in the veins of most Puerto Ricans. Puerto Ricans are always open, friendly, and hospitable. Family members and close friends, if they are two women or a woman and a man, usually hug and kiss each other on the cheeks when they meet and say goodbye. At the first meeting, it's customary to shake hands. Puerto Ricans' body language is very expressive. They love to chat with friends, relatives, neighbors, acquaintances, and even strangers. In 2005, the World Values Survey Association named Puerto Ricans the world's happiest nation.

Despite quite conservative views on gender roles, many women work in the political, sports, and business fields of Puerto Rico. The gender culture is Machismo, and often on the streets men whistle at women they like but never move to harassment. At the same time, Puerto Rican men often hold doors open for women and yield their seats in public transport. Puerto Rican women rarely take their husband’s family name. Children are often given double surnames from the father and mother.

Most Puerto Ricans (over 80%) are Catholics. Some are committed to Protestantism, spiritualism, Judaism, Afro-Caribbean religion, while about 2% do not belong to any religion. The country's constitution guarantees freedom of faith. Due to the influence of the Catholic Church, homosexuality remains a taboo subject, same-sex relationships are kept out of the public eye. However, Puerto Ricans are generally tolerant of homosexuals, especially young people, and in the capital, there are places where homosexuals can express themselves openly without fear of condemnation. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The family comes first for Puerto Ricans. Local families are often big and besides parents and children include grandparents, uncles and aunts, and cousins. Godparents are considered second parents. Old people are rarely sent to nursing homes, this is considered strange. Younger family members try to help the elderly and make their family life as comfortable as possible. Important decisions in the life of Puerto Ricans are often influenced by the opinions of family members. Relatives living separately always stay in touch and visit each other.

Adults usually live with their parents until they get married. It is not acceptable to move out from parents upon reaching the age of majority. If the newlyweds want to live together, they find a place close to their parents, but often several generations live in the same house. Family ties are very important and prioritize over personal achievements. The inheritance is divided equally between the heirs unless otherwise specified in the will. Children socialize at home, on the street, in kindergartens and schools, as well as in churches. Puerto Ricans love and strive to protect not only their own but also other's children. Physical punishment for wrongdoing is very rare.

Many Puerto Ricans appreciate friendship and treat close friends as relatives, listen to their advice and fully trust them. For young Puerto Ricans, friendships often become more important than family relationships. Moreover, the younger generations mostly listen only to parents, considering other relatives as secondary, especially if they do not live together. But in general, the family is still important to most Puerto Ricans.

Although Puerto Rico is a welcoming and friendly place, it's important to keep in mind that the crime rate in the country is high, especially in big cities. Tourists should try to merge with the locals, so as not to attract the attention of potential robbers, scammers or kidnappers. It is a good idea not to go out after sunset and move around with a group of friends in the daytime. Those walking alone should stay in crowded places. The main danger in the capital is drug dealers, more precisely, their clients who are capable of everything under the influence of drugs. Most criminals carry guns.