In Puerto Rico, Nov. 19 is a national holiday in remembrance of the day when Christopher Columbus landed on shores of the island in 1493.
High School of Commerce students dance plena, a Puerto Rican folkloric rhythm, as the school hosts a cultural awareness presentation to commemorate the discovery of Puerto Rico. From left to right, Reyna Moran, Carol Mateo, Lia Diaz and Zullyram Vargas.
SPRINGFIELD - Dressed in traditional Puerto Rican attire, High School of Commerce students Zullyram Vargas and Lia Diaz danced proudly to loud, rhythmic conga beats.
They waved their bright red skirts dancing plena, a folkloric genre native to Puerto Rico, as the High School of Commerce held a cultural awareness presentation recently commemorating the discovery of the island.
Diaz was grateful for the opportunity to celebrate diversity.
"Events like this celebrate our roots, and our culture; this makes me feel proud of who I am," she said.
The presentation is an annual festivity organized by the faculty and staff of the English Language Learners Academy at the high school.
Students showcased their talents, shared information and learned new things about the history of Puerto Rico.
Martin De Leon, a student at the English Language Learners Academy, took the microphone as a troubadour, lyrical poets whose roots trace back to 11th century Spain, France and Italy.
"I inherited this art form from my family, the Sanabrias, who are well-known troubadours in Puerto Rico. It's a poetic form of singing, filled with emotion," he said.
In Puerto Rico, Nov. 19 is a national holiday in remembrance of the day when Christopher Columbus landed on shores of the island in 1493.