“Grito de Lares!” or “The cry of Lares” is the official call for independence of the Puerto Rican people. While there were no calls for independence at the Grito de Lares Celebration at NEIU hosted by the Union for Puerto Rican Students(UPRS), there was an abundance of celebration for a culture that is rich in traditions and diversity. The UPRS celebrated the anniversary of Grito de Lares on Sept. 23, 141 years after the original event that marked the beginning of the Puerto Rican plight for independence. During this celebration Puerto Rican students, as well as many others came together to share different aspects of Puerto Rican culture and heritage.
From the soothing and passionate adaptation of “Preciosa,” an ode to the beauty of Puerto Rico by Jackie Nowotnik, to the rhythmic conga performance by Ruthy Venegas to the tune of “Fuego Fuego Muchana,” the celebration brought the sounds of the island alive right here at NEIU. A poetry recital that put a face on the plight of Puerto Ricans living in Chicago, by poets Samuel Vega and Jessie Fuentes, spoke about the troubles and struggles that Puerto Rican youth face in society, but also the hope and dedication that Puerto Ricans have to achieve greatness and impact society. Speaker Xavier Luis Burgos told the intricate story of the Puerto Rican people’s struggle for independence and the triumphs and losses that the Puerto Rican people have endured in order to secure their sovereignty.
“It’s very dynamic and it’s very rich [culture] and that’s something that people don’t really recognize, and it’s also kind of a unique experience that Puerto Ricans have in Chicago,” said Burgos. “And so we’re dedicated here at the university to promoting who we are not only to our own people, but also to people who want to learn more about this unique Latino experience that we’re part of.”
Puerto Rico is a country of rich heritage and fascinating history. It is important to remember that Puerto Rican people as a whole come from all different types of ethnicities and encompass a people that are wide ranging in terms of background. The UPRS welcomes all of those who wish to share in this rich culture and want to get a taste of what Puerto Rican culture is like.