Welcome to Borikén

Puerto Rico — Borikén — has a cultural history reaching thousands of years before European colonization. Puerto Ricans today take pride in a rich cultural heritage shaped by Taíno, African, Spanish, Caribbean, and distinctly Puerto Rican criollo and jíbaro traditions, intertwined and transformed over centuries into something uniquely Boricua.

You will encounter that heritage throughout your visit: in our language and place names; in bomba, plena, and música jíbara; in the cuatro and our traditional songs; in our food, art, and celebrations; and in the close relationship Puerto Ricans have with the land and sea.

These traditions also carry histories of Indigenous survival, colonization, slavery, migration, resilience, and cultural creativity. We invite you to experience them with curiosity and respect — not simply as visitors to a conference, but as guests in Borikén.

We honor the Taíno, African, Spanish, and Caribbean roots that have intertwined across generations to shape who we are today as Boricuas — Puerto Ricans — and we celebrate the living heritage that grew from them. We affirm our commitment to engaging with Puerto Rico’s people, landscapes, environment, and wildlife with respect, humility, and care.

During cultural welcomes, performances, or ceremonial moments at SMM2026, we ask participants to give their full attention to those sharing their traditions and to follow the guidance of our local hosts.