The Birthday of Don Luis Muñoz Rivera is commemorated on July 18 annually. Rivera was a poet, journalist, and politician from Puerto Rico who lived from July 17, 1859, to November 15, 1916. He played a significant role in the fight for Puerto Rico’s political independence while they were a part of Spain. Rivera joined the leadership of the newly created Autonomist Party in 1887. He was a successful candidate in 1889 for the Caguas district delegate position. Rivera later joined a group set up by the party to talk about autonomy proposals with Práxedes Mateo Sagasta, who would later give Puerto Rico an autonomous government after his election. He held the position of Cabinet Chief.
History of Birthday of Don Luis Munoz Rivera
Luis Muñoz Rivera was born into one of the earliest patriarchal political families in Puerto Rico.
Barranquitas was a modest rural community when Rivera was a child. He was home-schooled by his mother till he was 10 years old. He received a Spanish and French education and studied music with Jorge Colombani. His father continued his education by engaging private tutors.
Rivera began writing poetry at a young age; however, he didn’t start publishing any of his work until he was 23. In 1882, the poem ‘Adelante!’ was published by Mario Braschi, an editor for the newspaper “El Pueblo.” Braschi encouraged Rivera to keep writing about politics and science rather than love poems. Thus, Rivera started writing about Puerto Rico’s political situation and advocating for the need for an independent government.
Although his father was a Conservative Party supporter, Rivera joined the Liberal Party in 1883 to support the ideologies of his uncle, Vicente Muñoz Barrios. While employed by the company, Rivera opened a store on Quintán Negrón Sanjurjo, but it was not very successful. He won the support of the Liberal Party, was chosen to lead the Barranquitas committee, and got elected to the municipal council. Rivera attempted to be elected to the Provincial Assembly in 1885 to represent the Juana Diaz district, but he was unsuccessful.
Birthday of Don Luis Munoz Rivera timeline
Muñoz Rivera publishes “El Territorio,” a newspaper for landowners harmed by a blockade imposed by the United States.
Rivera is appointed Resident Commissioner to the U.S. House of Representatives; he plays a role in granting Puerto Ricans their citizenship.
The northern plaza of the city's main square is renamed Plaza Muoz Rivera by the municipality of Ponce, which also erects a statue in Rivera’s memory.
Rivera’s son, Luis Muñoz Marin, becomes Puerto Rico's first governor to be chosen democratically.
Birthday of Don Luis Munoz Rivera FAQs
What is Luis Muñoz Marín famous for?
Known as the “Architect of the Puerto Rico Commonwealth,” he was a journalist, politician, statesman, and first elected governor of Puerto Rico from February 18, 1898, to April 30, 1980.
What food is Puerto Rico famous for?
Puerto Rican cuisine, a celebration of flavors that guests can indulge in, embodies the vibrance of the island’s culture. Mofongo, tostones, pasteles, arroz con gandules, tembleque, and coquito are a few of the favorites.
What is the national drink of Puerto Rico?
The renowned tropical beverage, the pina colada, was created in Puerto Rico; thus, if you like it, you should know this! While you may trace the origin of the sweet concoction of coconut cream, pineapple juice, white rum, and ice to San Juan, they’re yet to settle the island’s long-running debate over its authorship.
Birthday of Don Luis Munoz Rivera Activities
Visit the island
Make a trip down and enjoy the lush landscape and ambiance of Puerto Rico. The people are fun and warm to visitors; they'll be willing to share their history with you.
Go shopping
Many shops sell almost everything; thus, splurge on yourself. Enjoy the island and take pieces of it with you as souvenirs.
Go to the beach
They have many white sand beaches and fun activities at the beach. It's always a good time at the beach with food and drinks.
5 Interesting Facts About Puerto Rico
They have political autonomy
Luis Muñoz Rivera played a significant role in Puerto Rico's fight for political independence while still being a part of Spain.
The president of the Barranquitas' committee
Rivera won the support of the Liberal Party and got elected to the municipal council; he was also named the president of the Barranquitas committee.
The Treaty of France
Spain gave Puerto Rico to the U.S. under the terms of the Treaty of Paris, and the U.S. set up a military administration.
They have America’s biggest cave network
More than 200 caves make up the 250-mile-long Cavernas del Rio Camuy.
It is a colony
Puerto Rico is neither a state nor a country; since it got handed over to America, it has existed as a colony.
Why We Love Birthday of Don Luis Munoz Rivera
It has beautiful beaches
Puerto Rico, like other Caribbean paradises, is known for its beaches. Luquillo Beach is a very well-liked destination on the main island. You're in for another treat at Sun Bay Beach. It has Mosquito Bay, where plankton that emit bioluminescent light at night reside.
It has the world’s tallest statue
Christopher Columbus is steering his ship in the sculpture “The Birth of the New World.” The statue is 360 feet tall and is made of bronze, standing more than 200 feet taller than the Statue of Liberty.
There are many shopping centers
More than 300 stores are within the 1.9 million square foot Plaza Las Américas. Almost every significant retailer is available, including Best Buy, Macy's, and JCPenney. You can purchase antiques, artwork, and license plates from shops in the mall if you want genuine Puerto Rican souvenirs.
Birthday of Don Luis Munoz Rivera dates
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2025 | July 18 | Friday |
2026 | July 18 | Saturday |
2027 | July 18 | Sunday |
2028 | July 18 | Tuesday |
2029 | July 18 | Wednesday |