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Puerto Rico in the Great Depression

1. Organized recreation and sports were almost unknown to the early colonizers, who lived in a state of constant fear of attack from hostile Carib Indians and roving buccaneers. It was not until the nineteenth century, when a new and prosperous era of agriculture and trade was ushered in, that sports came to play an important part in the life of the Island.

2. Horse racing was one of the first sports organized in Puerto Rico. It soon became a favorite one, and horses for breeding purposes were imported from Spain. The first races of which any records exist were Las Carreras de San Juan which took place about 1707 on Cristo Street in San Juan during the festival season. People became so frenzied over this sport that Governor Pezuela abolished it in 1849; in 1853, however, it was re-established. Today, the size and excitement of the crowds at the races indicate that interest in horse racing continues unabated.

   

3. Cockfighting is the oldest and most typical Puerto Rican sport. It has been abolished and reinstated a number of times since it was first introduced in the Island during colonial years. Today this sport is at the height of its popularity. There have been times when no town in the Island was without a cockpit. The finely bred English cock is a good fighter:

   We will fight together like two English cocks, until we have lost our wings, and are stripped of our feathers and crest.

   So wrote the Puerto Rican poet, José G. Padilla, to the Spanish bard, Manuel del Palacio, in his patriotic polemic in 1873.

4. After 1898 sports generally played in the United States were imported. Among them baseball became the most popular. Basketball, however, is the ideal game for the agile Puerto Rican youth; in track and field events they also do well, and have distinguished themselves at the Central American Olympics. Boxing has a large following, and for several years Sixto Escobar held the world's bantamweight championship, regaining it in 1939. Pedro Montañez, another native son, is a contender for the lightweight crown. Many stadiums and clubs have sprung up since the sport was legalized in 1927. Matches are held occasionally, at no definite season. Efforts have been made to introduce football, with little success, as the summer weather prevailing the year round does not lend itself to the sport. Soccer is gaining popularity. Tennis is a great favorite, and golf is played 12 months in the year. Other sports and games well-known in continental United States. find expression in Puerto Rico—handball, rifle shooting, archery, ping pong, squash racquets, and badminton.

5. Puerto Rico's deep-sea fishing is unsurpassed anywhere. Barracuda, man-eating sharks, and huge tuna afford endless thrills.

6. The Island's lagoons and extensive marshlands are suitable for hunting. A variety of water game, such as Wilson snipe, famous for its delicious meat, is found in abundance. This game annually migrates to the Island from North America. Mountain hunting is limited and offers only such spoils as quail and Turkish doves.

7. Swimming is extremely popular, for both the Atlantic and Caribbean are within easy reach of the majority of the inhabitants. Many people throughout the Island indulge. in competitive swimming and diving, and surf bathing is a delightful sport. Numerous rivers have favorite "swimming holes" for the country people.

8. Woodland mountain trails through tropical timber, fern, and sierra palm trees invite hikers. The mountain trails of the Caribbean National Forest are extremely rough and picturesque, especially the Luquillo unit. Sparkling mountain streams tumble over the mountain sides, and great trees spread their immense crowns hung with vines. Every trunk, bough, or limb supports its fringe of jungle epiphytes (see Tour 2B).

9. The protected harbors and prevailing winds encourage yachting and sailing. Annual regattas are held, and frequent interclub races give the sport a prominent place on the calendar.

10. Horse-back riding enthusiasts can follow almost numberless trails over the steep mountains, wide-sweeping meadowlands, or along sandy beaches. Moonlight horse-back riding has become popular. (For opportunities for sports-loving visitors, see General Information.)

11. Wholesome recreation among Puerto Ricans in rural areas is promoted by the second unit schools and the community centers of the P.R.R.A. Athletics and other leisure-time activities have been introduced in country districts. The rural electrification program has helped in the development of recreational activities in the evening, and in more widespread use of the radio.