La Isla Del Encanto X San Francisco
A closer look at Puerto Rican culture in San Francisco
(San Juan, Puerto Rico)
San Francisco, much like New York and other cities is made up of people coming from a great number of different backgrounds. In most cases moving to a new place is really exciting. You get the opportunity to see different types of people, places, and cultures. However, there are times that nostalgia kicks in and you begin to miss the basic environment that you are used to, for example, language, food, and ambiance.
I am Puerto Rican, and moving to New York from there was like going to a mini Puerto Rico. In the Bronx, (which is where I am from) just about everyone speaks Spanish, dances salsa while cleaning the house on a Saturday, and knows how to whip up a good plate of arroz con ganduales and lechon asado on any given day.
Moving to San Francisco and leaving that atmosphere, I almost felt lost. There are times that you just miss your home and your people. However, I realized that you can find a piece of home nearly anywhere, if you just search around.
As it turns out San Francisco and the Bay Area have a significant amount of Puerto Ricans living here. The culture is well preserved and celebrated. There are a number of organizations and clubs open to the community, such as El Club Puertorriqueño de San Francisco, Western Region Puerto Rican Council, and the Puerto Rican Union of Mutual Aid (PRUMA). These organizations provide scholarships for Hispanic students, help out communities, and create fun events so that the public can commeronate and emerge themselves in the culture.
“Right now we are getting ready for our El Dia de San Juan Festival that is in Mid June,” said Jose Solis Vega. Vega is one of the directors of El Club Puertorriqueño. “It is going to be great,” he said smiling. “We have all these performers coming straight from the island.”
( El Dia de San Juan Festival, summer 2014)
"You have to understand how Puerto Ricans even got here in the first place, to then understand why events like this are so special to us," Vega said. " In the 1950's when people were leaving Puerto Rico and migrating to places like New York and Chicago, some migrated to Hawaii and from there they came to settle in the bay." Vega explained how many of the first generation Puerto Ricans that migrated from Hawaii and have been living in the Bay area are aging and passing away. However thanks to their family, friemds, and communitites their legacy continues to be passed down and celebrated.
Take me to Eat
Now it's time to discuss food! If you are a fan of Puerto Rican cuisine and don't want to go far, this section is directly for you. Without even leaving the San Francisco area there are two restaurants that are a must. The first one I recommend is El Nuevo Fruitilandia located on 24th Street in the Mission. It is a small and intimate setting. The owner is so friendly and the food is nothing less than amazing, right on point with typical Puerto Rican dishes such as mofongo and pasteles.
The next restaurant is called Parada 22 and it is located in the vibrant neighborhood of the Haight. While it is located in a street that is filled with many shops, bars, and other restauants, there is no way you can't miss it. It is also a small place but very big in personality, colorful, and full of good energy-- and of course food!
(outside view of Parada 22 )
(Inside view of the restaurant)
Let's Dance the Night Away
One of the most popular types of music in Puerto Rico is salsa. So many imporant and influential salsa performers have come from the island and it is heard and danced all over. Although other hispanic countries and islands dance salsa too, they all tend to give it their own unique twist.
Here in San Francisco you could pretty much find a salsa night, on any given night of the week. The great thing about most of the salsa events in the city is that right before the party begins, there is a salsa class taught by an instructor. You get to brush up on your steps before showing off on the dancefloor!
Here are a list of some of the best in the city:
The Ramp:
(On Staurday aftermoons they have live salsa bands playing while guest can dance on the damce floor they have outdoors. They also have a great selection of food and a breathtaking view of the waterfront.)
Playa SF:
(Every Tuesday night enjoy a lesson and then the party at this relatively new lounge.)
Roccapulco:
(Located in the Mission, the heart of the hispanic community in San Francisco. Here you're guaranteed a great time dancing salsa, every Saturday night.)
There is nothing like living in a city that has such a vast variety of cultures. You get the opportunity to meet so many people and learn alot from them, which I believe enhances your growth as a person. However at the same time it's always comforting to know that if you search a little, you will be able to get a taste of home whenever you are craving it.
