I was fortunate enough to grow up in a Puerto Rican household. I say fortunate because I was a part of two very different cultural worlds-American and Hispanic. This gave me a mix of traditions, values, and beliefs that I am proud of. From the food, to the music, to the overwhelming pride we have for our country, being Puerto Rican sets me apart from my peers and I love that. If you also grew up in a Puerto Rican family then you know it comes with its own set of rules, quirks, and jokes that only true Boricuas will understand. With that being said, here is a list of things that have special meanings to those who grew up in a Puerto Rican home!

1. Goya

From the rice, to the beans, to the Adobo, to Malta. Goya products are a staple item in your house

2. Rice and Beans

There are two kinds of Puerto Ricans: those who let the rice pot soak before washing it and those who are straight savage and wash it immediately without soaking

3. La Panadería

Getting to come here after Church got out on Sundays and picking up some amazing pan de agua and pan sobao. BUEN PROVECHO

4. Café Bustelo

Being made in this:

Way before Keurigs and K-cups, your café bustelo was made in this weird coffee sock thing

5. Spanglish

Pero like...we have our own language within our language

6. Marc Anthony, Jennifer Lopez, & Ricky Martin

The holy trio. You inevitabley have woken up to one of their albums playing on a Saturday morning while your mom was cleaning.

7. Puerto Rican Day Parade

The ultimate pride parade held annually in New York

8. Sabado Gigante

If you didn't have plans on Saturday night, then you were with your family watching Don Francisco, who miraculously has managed to stay the same age for 50 years, sing and host on Sabado Gigante.

9. El coqui

Our adorable little mascot for the island that is featured on many Puerto Rico logos

10. Empanadillas

Need I say more?

11. Dominoes

If you're smart you spent years watching your grandparents play so that you would become a master at it.

12. Suavemente

Any Puerto Rican party was not complete until you heard "SUAVEMENTEEEE BÉSAMEEEE...." and suddenly every single person rushed to the dance floor. This song will never get old

13. Clapping when an airplane lands safely

I don't know, it's just what we do.

14. La Chancleta

To many people this is just a flip-flop. But every Puerto Rican knows its true, intended purpose and to run whenever it's in your mom's hand.