FLECHAS Inc is a 501(c) (3) not for profit cultural organization in Connecticut with a 32 year history. The organization was started in 1977 and it is the only Puerto Rican organization in the State of Connecticut that has maintained a consistent focused on the African experience to the Puerto Rican national identity.
The theme of the organization is "A Puerto Rican Expression of Three Cultures", as FLECHAS Features the contribution of Africa to the island’s Taino culture while also celebrating the fusion of Spain's culture.
The organization in Connecticut was started with a group of Connecticut residents many of which were from the Township of Loiza, Puerto Rico in the 1960’s, like the Osorio-Lopez family, original founders.
The Acronym FLECHAS stands for Fiestas de Loiza en Connecticut en Honor al Apostol Santiago. The Feast of Saint of James was transported to Puerto Rico from Spain. After the abolition of Slavery in Puerto Rico, the fiestas naturally developed into a merger of the three cultures. The people from Loiza became the keepers of this annual event.
While FLECHAS is not a religious entity those historical elements remain part of the organization. The feast became a multi-cultural event in Puerto Rico. It displays traditional Bomba and Plena, music and Dance unique to African influences along with other typical Puerto Rican Music, Loiceño cuisine, Puerto Rican food, mask making, and other art forms.
The organization features signature events that include:
- The Annual Commemoration of the Abolition of Slavery in Puerto Rico (1873) in March.
- The Annual Leadership Banquet in June/July, the three days Fiestas de Loiza in July.
- The Folkloric Bohio Dance Troupe and Workshops ongoing throughout the year.
- Essay Contest/Scholarship event.
For more information please call 203.589.5423.
Prepared by Raul Avila, President.
