Plena


Plena was born in the working class barrios of Ponce about 100 years ago. It was known as "el periodico cantado" (the sung newspaper) because it contained stories about the history and everyday life of the people. Plena's origins can be traced back to the changes in Puerto Rican society caused by its transfer from Spanish to U.S. rule, and the abolition of slavery which caused displaced colonial sugar cane workers to seek economic opportunities in the growing cities of the island. Plena was born of African roots and was transformed into a uniquely Puerto Rican expression by Jíbaro, native Taino, and European traditions, in addition to the musical influences of freed slaves from English-speaking Caribbean Islands who travelled to Puerto Rico seeking work.

By the later part of the 20th century, Plena primarily could only be heard in our folklore (and during street protests). However, since the 1990s Plena has been given new life thanks to music groups in Puerto Rico and New York who have modernized the sound for today's generation. When Puerto Ricans think of plena, two favorite things come to mind: the white "Panama" hats typically worn by men and "panderos" or "panderetas" (tambourines without cymbals), the three or more handheld drums of different sizes/pitches (seguidor, segundo, and requinto), which together make up the explosive rhythm of Plena.

References and Suggested Reading



For more information:
Dr. Ana María Tekina-eirú Maynard
Puerto Rican Folkloric Dance & Cultural Center
Center Location: 701 Tillery Street, Austin TX 78702-3740
Mailing Address: 15228 Quiet Pond Court, Austin TX 78728-4555
Phone: +1.512.251.8122          Email: dance@prfdance.org          Web: www.prfdance.org