Puerto Rico’s Hispanic Heritage Festival By Julio Herrera Velutini

Introduction

As the chairman of an international bank, Julio Herrera Velutini manages his various responsibilities from his offices in Puerto Rico and Florida. Julio M. Herrera Velutini also founded a nonprofit organization that supports technology and the arts in Puerto Rico.

Recently, Puerto Rico hosted a Hispanic Heritage Festival, an event that sought to raise awareness of the diversity of Latin American culture on the island. The event took place in Old San Juan and featured cultural activities, food booths, and musical performances.

The Festival

To showcase the variety of the island’s musical culture, the festival included zarzuela, fusion music, and flamenco performances, as well as a live performance by Andy Montanez. The event also offered art workshops, cooking classes, and painting lessons.

Organized by a chamber of commerce organization, the event was designed to emphasize the Puerto Rican “brand” by showcasing the island’s products and services. Participants noted that this was the first event to promote the internationalization of the island’s trade, industry, and tourism.