In all of the town centers, there is a square or plaza. In the square is at least one church, shops and the center of government... usually a bank or two as well. This photograph is a view of the Catholic church in the Plaza of Rincon. As with all churches, it is the site of marriages, funerals, christenings and worship. As it is a large church and in the center of the plaza , it also that the services as a forum for public events.
I think here it is taken for granted that faith is a central part of life. People's names reflect this as do place names. At Christmas, the town erects, in lights... images of the three kings and the nativity. I am older now, and I remember that in the United States, at one time in the past, faith was also central and had a place in the public square. Of course, now that has changed. If you were to look for one sign that Puerto Rico is not a "state" within the United States, but rather a Free State in Association with the United States, then what occurs in plain sight every day in the public square would be a good place to begin.
