The spears of Old San Juan are iconic remnants of the city's colonial past, originally serving as defensive structures during the Spanish era. Today, they stand as symbols of San Juan's rich history and enduring legacy, connecting the vibrant present to its storied heritage.
In Puerto Rico, using horses for lawn care is a tradition rooted in practicality and sustainability. For generations, horses have been a natural and efficient way to manage vegetation, particularly in rural and mountainous areas where modern equipment might be impractical. These animals graze on the grass, keeping it trimmed while also enriching the soil with their natural fertilizers, offering an eco-friendly alternative to mechanical mowing.
This practice not only preserves the island's agricultural heritage but also reduces the carbon footprint associated with gas-powered lawnmowers. It's common to see horses being transported in the back of pickups to different areas where they can help maintain the land. This blend of tradition and environmental stewardship reflects Puerto Rico's deep connection to its natural landscape and the resourceful ways its people manage the land.
Bowling in Puerto Rico was a popular social activity, particularly in the mid-20th century, serving as a communal hub where families and friends gathered for leisure and competition. Urban areas like San Juan and Mayagüez saw the rise of bowling leagues and bustling alleys that became integral to local culture. However, in recent years, the sport has declined, with many alleys closing due to economic challenges and changing entertainment preferences. Today, abandoned bowling alleys, like the one in Mayagüez, stand as quiet reminders of a once-thriving pastime that brought people together across the island.
On the island of Vieques, the wild horses have figured out where the fresh water sources are located.
The rainbow eucalyptus tree (Eucalyptus deglupta) is a tropical marvel known for its vibrant, multicolored bark. As the bark peels throughout the year, it reveals a spectrum of colors, from bright green to blue, purple, orange, and maroon, creating a living rainbow. Native to Southeast Asia but thriving in Puerto Rico, this tree can grow over 200 feet tall, making it one of the tallest in the world. While its wood is used for paper production, it's the tree's stunning, ever-changing colors that make it a true natural masterpiece.
Puerto Rico has a passionate movement to keep public space public and to keep their land owned by Puerto Ricans. Many island inhabitants have been forced to move off the island due to job accessibility.
An aerial view of Barrero, Rincón, Puerto Rico, highlights the delicate balance between nature and development. The once-vibrant coral reefs now show signs of bleaching, a stark reminder of the environmental challenges facing the region. Meanwhile, ongoing construction reshapes the landscape, raising concerns about the long-term impact on the area's natural beauty and ecosystems. This image captures the intersection of human activity and the environment, urging reflection on the future of Puerto Rico's coastal treasures.
Clearing for construction on Puerto Rico's fragile terrain exposes the island to increased erosion, highlighting the delicate balance between development and the preservation of its natural environment.
In western Puerto Rico, homes and businesses built too close to the water's edge are gradually collapsing into the relentless waves as climate change accelerates shoreline erosion. This stark reality highlights the growing risks of coastal development, where rising sea levels and intensified storms continuously reshape the fragile landscape.
A local farmer harvests breadfruit from her mountain farm in Puerto Rico, continuing the island's rich agricultural traditions rooted in sustainability and community.
For locals on Vieques and across Puerto Rico, horses are more than just a means of transportation or recreation—they are an integral part of daily life and cultural identity. In rural areas, particularly on smaller islands like Vieques, horses are often used for practical purposes such as farming, hauling, and even commuting across terrain that is difficult to navigate with vehicles. This reliance on horses harks back to a time when they were essential for transportation and agricultural work, a tradition that has persisted despite modern advancements.
