Smithsonian Takes Us to Puerto Rico
Ben Korman & Amanda McDavid

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We love things that don't seem to make much sense at first glance. That's why when Smithsonian magazine invited us to the Museum of the City to help celebrate Puerto Rican tourism, we knew we were in for something crazy. And the night did not disappoint...

The Museum sizzled with Puerto Rican spice July 9, thanks to a joint effort by Smithsonian magazine and the Puerto Rico Tourism Company. We were swept away to Carnival by live salsa band Zon Del Barrio and Latin music legend Sammy Ayala, who kept toes tapping as renowned dance troupe Danza Fiesta whirled through the space in colorful folk costumes. The event paid tribute to Puerto Rican culture—salsa and mambo, pork empanadas and golden rum included—as well as to the 100-year presence of Latino music in New York City.

Dancers performed in oversized masks that ranged from princesses to dragons. The costuming, along with a gobo that splashed Go Puerto Rico in crimson above the rum bar, was enough to warm up the light, airy museum space with Caribbean heat. The captivating performers were the focal point of the evening and even Smithsonian Media group publisher Kerry Bianchi was persuaded to join the act, promenading around the room with one of the traditionally dressed dancers. We left the event feeling enriched, satiated and happily shaking the tiny maracas included in our swag bags.

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