BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Puerto Rican pride was on full display Sunday as the city celebrated the first anniversary of its Sister City partnership with Patillas, Puerto Rico.
"Yo soy Boricua, pa' que tu lo sepas," the audience gleefully cheered as students from Northeast Middle School broke into a rendition of "En Mi Viejo San Juan" — an honorary anthem of the Isla del Encanto.
The celebration at Payrow Plaza, which coincides with Hispanic Heritage Month, featured a flag-raising ceremony and remarks from elected officials from both the region and Puerto Rico.
The Governor’s Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs' Executive Director Olga Negrón and
Norman Bristol Colón, the commonwealth's chief diversity officer, presented the city with proclamations from Gov. Josh Shapiro.
Also, representatives of U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie and state Rep. Steve Samuelson delivered congratulatory proclamations.
Also in attendance were representatives from Patillas, a municipality about 48 miles from San Juan, including Dr. Ruth Reyes Ramos and leaders from the Hispanic Center Lehigh Valley and the Puertorrican Culture Preservation, based in Allentown.
After the flag-raising, a parade through Bethlehem ended at the SteelStacks campus, where the party continued with music by Herencia Jabaria.
'Joy and resistance'
Local officials and Bethlehem–Patíllas Sister City Committee members emphasized that the Sister City partnership represents more than a symbolic connection — it's a recognition of the Latino community’s lasting contributions to Bethlehem.
Speakers also highlighted that the city continues to welcome the Latino community and people of all backgrounds.
"As we're gathered here today, we're reminded that as we celebrate our history and our people and our contributions, it's not just a joy and a celebration. But it is also a protest against any attempt to erase that."Janine Santoro, City of Bethlehem’s director of equity and inclusion and liaison to the Bethlehem–Patía Sister City Committee
"As we're gathered here today, we're reminded that as we celebrate our history and our people and our contributions, it's not just a joy and a celebration," said Janine Santoro, Bethlehem’s director of equity and inclusion and liaison to the sister city committee.
"But it is also a protest against any attempt to erase that."
"Those contributions and our people, as we're not just celebrating Puerto Ricans, but we're also celebrating our whole Latino community during Hispanic Heritage Month."
Remembering Hurricane Maria
Sunday's Sister City celebration comes eight years after Hurricane Maria caused widespread destruction to Puerto Rico.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, many residents relocated to the mainland, with Pennsylvania now ranking fourth in the nation for its Puerto Rican population.
After the hurricane, Bethlehem Area School District received more than 100 students and families from the island who relocated to the city.
"American Latinos are the largest ethnic minority group in the country, counting 68 million, and the fastest-growing minority community in the commonwealth, counting 1.2 million."Bristol Colón, president and founder of the PA Latino Convention
Bristol Colón, president and founder of the PA Latino Convention, spoke of the cultural contributions of artists such as Marc Anthony and Bad Bunny, as well as the ongoing resilience and spirit of its residents.
On Saturday, Anthony and Bad Bunny, who closed out his residency performances in Puerto Rico that night, performed “Preciosa,” a beloved tune honoring their homeland. (According to the New York Times, the residency is expected to draw $250 million into the economy).
Those who reside in Pennsylvania bring with them a similar spirit and integrity as their famous counterparts, Bristol Colón said — plus strength in numbers.
"American Latinos are the largest ethnic minority group in the country, counting 68 million, and the fastest-growing minority community in the commonwealth, counting 1.2 million."
Leading by example
For Guillermo López Jr., the celebration brought back childhood memories of Bethlehem in the early 1960s, when Puerto Rican families were establishing roots in the city.
Lopez, who served as grand marshal for the parade, recalled decorating a parade float in the garage of a neighbor, surrounded by those, including his father, who moved to the region to work for Bethlehem Steel.
“By their example, they showed us how to be a place that welcomes people and helps them succeed,” López said.
“What excites me the most about what we’ve created here is the new leadership that has stepped forward. Today we celebrate that role.”
Committee Co-chairwoman Aurea Ortiz, host of radio station WDIY-FM 88.1's "Charla Communitaria," reflected on that legacy.
“They taught us that in unity there is strength,” Ortiz said.
“It is now our responsibility to honor and protect that legacy, and to teach it to future generations.”
Besides Patillas, Bethlehem has five other Sister City partnerships, including Tondabayashi, Japan; Schwäbisch Gmünd, Germany; Foiano di Val Fortore, Italy; Murska Sobota, Slovenia; and Corfu, Greece.
Traveling to Patillas
According to Donna Taggart, board member of the Community Action Development Corporation of Bethlehem and co-chairwoman of the Bethlehem-Patillas Sister City Committee, the committee had raised $10,000 to support Sunday's celebration and other joint endeavors.
“Together we will continue building a community rooted in peace, understanding, and hope. A legacy that honors our ancestors and inspires generations to come.”Bethlehem–Patía Sister City Committee Co-chairwoman Aurea Ortiz
In early December, 25 members of the Bethlehem-Patillas Sister City Committee, including Mayor J. William Reynolds, will travel to Patillas to strengthen educational and workforce development initiatives.
Organizers say they hope the trip will lay the groundwork for student exchanges, cultural programs and other economic opportunities for both cities.
“Together we will continue building a community rooted in peace, understanding and hope," Ortiz said.
"A legacy that honors our ancestors and inspires generations to come.”
