Hispanic Heritage Month is annual celebration across the United States of America to highlight different Hispanic cultures and their history. The month-long celebration runs from September 15, 2026 – October 15, 2026.
To most Americans, the island of Puerto Rico is just a beautiful vacation destination known for its delicious food, and talented musical artists. However, for Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) lead photographer Ramphys Motta, it’s home.
He was born and raised in Bayamón, the second most populated city in Puerto Rico, just southwest of the capital, San Juan. Bayamón has earned the nickname “El Pueblo del Chicharrón” because of its fried pork, which is considered to be the best on the island. The city is also home to Vaqueros de Bayamón, a professional basketball team founded in 1930, that has helped grow the sport across the country.
Motta is proud to be from such a historic place. Even during rough times, he reflects on just how strong the Puerto Rican people can be.
“The hospitality and warmth [are some of the attributes I appreciate most.] Where I grew up, I knew everyone in my neighborhood, and we all relied on each other for necessities,” said Motta. “Puerto Rico is known to have several power and water outages, and if one of us needed batteries for flashlights, bottled water, etc., we would always share with each other. It’s that sense of community and togetherness that has made my people so resilient throughout the years. You can meet someone for the first time and in just a short time feel like you’ve known them for years.”
Finding Joy in Every Moment
Motta moved from Puerto Rico when he was fifteen years old to South Florida and joined the PBA community in 2025. Despite leaving his native home, it’s the lessons Motta learned in Puerto Rico that have shaped him into the person he is today.
“Finding joy all around life,” said Motta. “Puerto Ricans have this amazing ability to find joy in every situation. We have a very celebratory culture; we just always find the smallest reasons to get together with our loved ones and just enjoy life together, dance, eat some amazing food, laugh together, and look at the positive side of things. That has shaped who I am as a person deeply. To be able to look at life and always find a way to smile.”
A Blend of Cultures Shaping Identity
Puerto Rician culture is the product of many different influences. A mix of Spanish, African, Indigenous Taino, and other European cultures to create it’s own tradition.
South Florida embodies diversity with influences from many cultures across the globe including Hispanic culture. Very similar to Puerto Rico.
“I think one thing people misunderstand is how diverse Puerto Rican culture actually is,” said Motta. “Our cultural roots have influences from Indigenous Taino, African, Spanish, and other cultures. They all have shaped a very unique and diverse culture where it all comes together to form who we are today and you can see that in our food, our music, our traditions, and even the way Puerto Ricans look. I think that diversity is what makes our culture so full and rich.”
To find out about PBA’s Hispanic Heritage Festival, click here.
