Jíbaro, Protege lo tuyo 

The Jíbaro, a figure of rural life, is deeply connected to the land and its traditions. They work the land traditionally, finding joy in a simple lifestyle, often spending leisure time playing music and enjoying nature. Living off their harvest, any surplus is exchanged or sold in nearby towns.

As guardians of their land, the Jíbaro fiercely defends their way of life against modernization. Despite pressures to conform, they stand their ground, guided by their deep connection to the land. Their dedication serves as a beacon of resilience.

Embedded within rural communities, the Jíbaro holds ancestral knowledge passed down through oral tradition. They are custodians of customs that define their identity, lending their voice to their surroundings. In a world where urbanization threatens rural heritage, the Jíbaro’s pride stands as a symbol of cultural strength.

Jíbaro Music

Jíbaro music is a traditional style of music from Puerto Rico that is often associated with the island’s rural mountain regions and religious celebrations at the end of the year. It features a unique blend of Spanish, Indigenous and African musical influences, and typically features the use of stringed instruments such as the cuatro (hear it played here by cuatrista Fabiola Méndez), guitar, and bass as well as maracas, güiro and bongos.

Jíbaro music uses of a poetic style known as décima, which features ten octosyllabic line stanzas with a specific rhyme scheme (ABBAA CCDDC). The lyrics often focus on themes related to love, nature, and the daily struggles of rural life.