ASPIRA Celebrates the Discovery of Puerto Rico

On November 20, 2010, ASPIRA of Florida Inc. hosted the 8th Annual Discovery of Puerto Rico Day Festival at the Roberto Clemente Park, located in Wynwood, the historical Puerto Rican neighborhood of Miami. This annual festival commemorates the culture and history Puerto Rico which was discovered on November 19, 1493 by Christopher Columbus (Don Cristóbal Colón) during his second voyage to the New World. This year's festival kicked off with warm welcomes from Daisy C Franklin, ASPIRA Miami-Dade County Director, Hector Martínez, ASPRIA South Charter Principal, and Manuel Ruiz, III, Miami-Dade Local Advisory Council Secretary. Ms. Franklin also remembered the late beloved ASPIRA President & CEO, Raúl A. Martínez, with a moment of silence.

Immediately following the welcome was a prideful rendition of La Borinqueña, the Puerto Rican Anthem, performed a group of students from Homestead Senior High School led by Christina Lugo, Lead Youth Advisor. Immediately following the beautifully sung anthem, Los ASPIRANTES, the ASPIRA Raúl Arnaldo Martínez Charter School Band played three songs under the director of Mr. Gomez, a parent volunteer, and two University of Miami mentors.

The remainder of the afternoon was filled with student performances and 45 minute set by Plena Es, Borinquen Productions, sponsored by PROFESA.

In addition to the wonderful live performances, the festival included authentic Puerto Rican food, beverage and hot dog booths run by ASPIRA Miami-Dade Local Advisory Council members and ASPIRAntes, jewelry vendors and a Brown Mackie College admissions booth.

More than 300 ASPIRAntes and community members enjoyed this year's festival. Both ASPIRA and Wynwood look forward to an even more successful celebration next year.