Pop Culture in Puerto Rico, it can be said, has been historically affected both by the political changes the island has gone through, and by the changes in popular culture around the world.
Luis Munoz Marin International Airport opened in San Juan with daily international flights, allowing for the exchange of tourists and cultural ideas between Puerto Rico and other countries.
The San Juan Casino becomes the favorite social meeting place and dance hall.
The Vietnam War breaks out: many Puerto Ricans join the war, some of which return addicted to popular illicit drugs during the conflict. Others visited Cuba in the revolution's heyday and music with a social theme hit the airwaves in the late 60's.
La Nueva Ola: Singers such as Lucecita Benitez, Ednita NazarioEdnita Nazario (born approx. 1954) is a Puerto Rican singer who was born in the city of Ponce. It could be said that, during the 1970s, Nazario represented to many of Puerto Rico's youth what Britney Spears represents to the American youth nowadays. In ad, Chucho AvellanetChucho Avellanet (born circa 1945) is a Puerto Rican singer. Avellanet is a native of Mayaguez. Avellanet reached teen-idol status in Puerto Rico during the 1960s, as a member of the nueva ola music movement. Helped by Alfred D. Herger, he was a member of, Nydia CaroNydia Caro (born c. 1950 in New York, New York to Puerto Rican parents), is an internationally famous Puerto Rican singer. Caro made her debut in show business acting at an NBC television show. In 1967, shortly after her father's passing, she moved to Pue, Charlie RoblesCharlie Robles was born April 15, 1943, in Jayuya, Puerto Rico. At the age of 14, he left for New York and began violin lessons with professor Pepito Figueroa Sanabria for three years. In 1967, Charlie Robles went to South Carolina where he and joined the, Yolandita MongeYolandita Monge (born September 16, 1955) is an international singer from Puerto Rico. A member of the group of artists designated as La Nueva Ola The New Wave , Monge and Ednita Nazario were at one time made to look like rivals by Puerto Rico's press. and others become teen sensations in Puerto Rico.
Miss Puerto Rico, Marisol MalaretMarisol Malaret (born October 13, 1949) was the first Puerto Rican to be crowned Miss Universe, winning in Miami in 1970. After her win, she was the object of what was until then, one of the biggest welcomings ever at San Juan's Luis Munoz Marin Internati, wins the Miss Universe pageant.
Panamerican GamesThe Pan American Games are a multi-sport event, held every four years between competitors from all nations of the Americas. History The idea of holding a Pan American Games grew from the Central American Games first organised in the 1920s. In 1932, a firs are held in San Juan in the summer of 1979.
The beginning of the teenager Spanish rock groups era: La Pandilla is a very popular group in Puerto Rico, and their manager, Edgardo Diaz, forms Menudo in 1976.
Roberto Clemente dies in 1972. He has been considered by many to be Puerto Rico's greatest sports legend.
Wilfredo Gomez begins his 6 year reign as boxing's WBC world Jr. Featherweight champion. He is also considered by many to be Puerto Rico's greatest sports legend.
At the age of 17, Wilfred Benitez becomes the youngest world champion in boxing history, defeating Antonio Cervantes by a 15 round split decision to take the WBA world Jr. Welterweight title.
Iris Chacon is the leading veddette of Puerto Rico.
Menudo becomes a world-wide sensation, hitting record sales in many countries around the world. Soon, many other teen bands try to imitate Menudo's success.
Los Chicos become Menudo's top competitors. Female groups like Las Cheris and Monedas aim to become the female version of Menudo.
Many meeting places like restaurants, bars and entertainment have the "Viernes Social"(social friday) which planned activities right after 5pm.
Deborah Carthy-Deu becomes the second Miss Puerto Rico to win the Miss Universe crown.
Neon's Discoteque in San Juan becomes a popular dance club.
Wilfred Benitez becomes boxing's first three time world champion in four decades, the first Hispanic to win three world titles, and the youngest one to do so.
Actress Lydia Echevarria is accused and jailed for the murder of Vigoreaux.
Television show A Millon obtains the biggest ratings in Puerto Rican television history.
Latin American and Puerto Rican films begin fading away from local theaters. Most theaters in the island show only Hollywood releases with subtitles. Fine Arts Cinema opens in Hato Rey showing international films and art movies.
Juliana's and Isadora are popular hotel dance clubs.
Many international singers from other hispanic countries, such as José Luis Rodríguez, Celia Cruz, Juan Gabriel and Juan Luis Guerra, among others continued to visit Puerto Rico. Locals Jose Nogueras and Chayanne also enjoy success in Puerto Rico. Chayanne becomes an international teen-idol.
Dayanara Torres becomes the third Miss Puerto Rico to win the Miss Universe crown.
Merengue becomes the most popular music style in the dance halls and in the radio. Olga Tañon, Grupomania and many others become international exports of this music genre.
Rappers such as Ivy Queen, Don Chezina and others also enjoy success.
Félix Trinidad reigns as boxing's world Welterweight champion for 6 years. He also is considered by many to be Puerto Rico's greatest sports legend.
In 1999, the death of ViequenseDavid Sanes provockes many Puerto Ricans to protest the U.S. military's presence in that Puerto Rican island-municipality."Paz para Vieques" (peace for vieques) becomes a popular slogan.
Such television shows as Mira Que Tvo and Sunshine Logrono's El Club de Sunshine become tele-spectator favorites.
Former MenudoRicky Martin becomes famous worldwide, his songs Livin la Vida Loca, Maria and The Cup of Life, among others, making it to the top of the charts in many countries.
Puerto Rican John Ruiz becomes the first hispanic in history to be boxing's world Heavyweight champion.
Regaetón becomes a popular music genre among young people, with artists such as Tego Calderón crossing over to U.S. markets.
Puerto Rico's national basketball team wins 79-66 against Canada in the pre-olympic tournament, wins bronze and qualifies for the summer Olympic Games of Athens in 2004, where they went on to beat the U.S. Dreamteam 92-73.