By The Star Staff
This week the Capitol celebrates its 95th anniversary with activities highlighting its historical importance.
The information was provided Sunday by Senate President José Luis Dalmau Santiago and House Speaker Rafael Hernández Montañez, along with Capitol District Superintendent César Hernández Alfonso and Legislative Services Office Director Mónica Freire Florit.
“The Capitol is not just a building; it is a witness to our history and a pillar of our identity as a people,” the Senate leader said in a written statement. “This anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on our past and those who worked to build an advanced society. It is important to understand the history of these 95 years in order to move toward the future.”
Commemorative activities begin on Tuesday at 10 a.m. with the unpublished presentation of the audios of the Constituent Convention within the framework of commemorating the 72nd Anniversary of the Constituent Convention. Meanwhile, on Thursday at 9 a.m., postal service personnel will conduct a pictorial cancellation activity to mark and highlight the 95th anniversary of the Capitol. The event will be followed by a special joint session at noon.
Meanwhile, officials are planning an outdoor concert on Sunday, Feb. 11 that will cover 95 years of history through music and a light show. The event will take place starting at 5 p.m. in the Plaza de la Democracia, which is located on the north side of the Capitol. The concert will feature the participation of Cuco Peña and the Puerto Rico Orchestra, Danny Rivera, Andy Montañez, Glenn Monroig, Chucho Avellanet, Juan Vélez, Hilda Ramos, Nydia Caro, Gerardo Rivas and Nahyra Pérez.
In addition to the aforementioned activities, The Capitol will host other initiatives, such as a presentation of the book “Sin Descanso: Memoria Política de Miguel Hernández Agosto;” the opening of a photographic exhibition, “The Capitol in Images: 95 Years of History;” the awards ceremony of the Education Department poster and essay contest for students on the occasion of the 95th anniversary of the Capitol; and an architecture symposium, “Polis, Architecture and Identity: The Capitol as a Landmark, Modernity and Heritage.”
The legislative leaders stated that the anniversary is a moment where unity and understanding of Puerto Rico’s history are fundamental.
“The celebration of the 95th Anniversary of The Capitol allows us to unite as a people,” they said. “This building has witnessed our challenges and triumphs and is a reminder that together we can build a more just future for all.”
The Capitol, also known as the House of Laws, was inaugurated on Feb. 11, 1929, and has been a symbol of democracy in Puerto Rico since then. Over the years, the Capitol has witnessed crucial events in Puerto Rico’s history, such as the signing of essential laws.