Puerto Rico celebrates 530 years with postmark, parade

Postmark Pursuit by Molly Goad

An Aguadilla postmark celebrates the discovery of Puerto Rico 530 years ago.

Christopher Columbus discovered Puerto Rico on his second voyage to the Americas in 1493. Sailing under the Spanish flag, he arrived on Nov. 19, and is believed to have landed at a site near Aguadilla, known as La Ciudad Del Descubrimiento (the City of Discovery).

According to Discover Puerto Rico, Columbus named the island San Juan Bautista (St. John the Baptist). It was later renamed Puerto Rico, meaning “rich port,” because the Spaniards discovered substantial amount of gold in its rivers. When the capital city was founded, it adopted the name San Juan.

Columbus encountered the indigenous Taino people, initiating European contact with the island. This discovery played a pivotal role in the Spanish colonization of the Caribbean.

The postmark comes from Aguadilla, a coastal municipality in Puerto Rico known for its beaches, cultural events and the Rafael Hernandez Airport.

A series of events held Nov. 17-19 at the Cristobal Colon public plaza in Aguada, just south of Aguadilla, commemorated the 530th anniversary of the discovery of Puerto Rico.

The highlight was the 129th Discovery Parade, a Puerto Rican tradition featuring floats, baton twirlers known as batuteras, artists, and schools showcasing their cultural richness.

To obtain the postmark, address your request to:

MUNICIPIO DE AGUADILLA Station, Postmaster, 585 Avenue FD Roosevelt, Suite 223, San Juan, PR 00936-9998, Nov. 17.

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