De Puerto Rico para el Mundo: Preparing for the Quincentenary Celebrations, 1985–92

In 1992, Puerto Rico participated in the international festivities celebrating the “discovery” of the America. Since his return to office in January 1985, Governor Rafael Hernández Colón set out to showcase the economic and cultural development of the island on an international platform. However, almost immediately his agenda prompted an internal debate on the legacy and relevance of the Spanish heritage, and role of the Spanish language in Puerto Rican culture. Both the preparations and ultimate celebration of the Quincentenary of Columbus’ voyage to the “New World” and the debate over the official language encouraged Puerto Ricans to revisit their collective historical memories of the Spanish legacy in their culture. Ultimately, this moment offered an opportunity for Puerto Ricans to reclaim their hispanidad, and, at least according to Governor Hernández Colón, to renew their cultural, and possibly the island’s economic ties to Latin America.

This paper explains some of the key events surrounding the organization of the Puerto Rican pavilion at the Seville Expo, the Quincentennial celebration, and the Regatta Columbus 92. Also, this paper unpacks the official language debate that emerged during the mid-1980s, evaluating how Puerto Ricans remembered their Spanish heritage, especially Governor Rafael Hernández Colón’s role in the re-imagination of this heritage. This original research features sources held at the Biblioteca y Archivo Rafael Hernández Colón, including excerpts of their extensive newspaper collection, government documents, legislation, official speeches, and available video footage of the events.