San Juan Mayor raises concern over use of alternate Puerto Rico anthem in basketball game.

At a basketball game in the Coliseo Roberto Clemente, urban artist RaiNao sang an alternative version of “La Borinqueña” rather than the official anthem adopted in 1952 (Puerto Rico’s National Superior Basketball League.)

By THE STAR STAFF

San Juan Mayor Miguel Romero has formally expressed concern over the use of a revolutionary version of Puerto Rico’s anthem during pregame ceremonies at a national basketball match held on March 28 between the Santurce Crabbers (Cangrejeros de Santurce) and the Mets de Guaynabo.

During the basketball game at the Coliseo Roberto Clemente, urban artist RaiNao performed an alternative version of “La Borinqueña,” often referred to as the “revolutionary” or “original” anthem, instead of the official anthem adopted in 1952. 

In a letter made public Monday addressed to Edgar Padilla, general manager of the Cangrejeros, Romero objected to replacing the official version of La Borinqueña with an alternate rendition linked to historical periods of political confrontation. He argued that the substitution conflicts with the standards expected at events hosted in municipal facilities. 

Romero wrote that, as mayor of Puerto Rico’s capital city, it is his duty to reinforce the municipality’s commitment to the “appropriate, orderly and responsible” use of public venues. These facilities, he said, serve as communal spaces where respect, family-friendly entertainment and sportsmanship must prevail.

Allowing actions that “distort the purpose” of public events, he cautioned, risks deepening unnecessary divisions among residents.

The mayor underscored that the official version of La Borinqueña—formally adopted through Law No. 2 on July 24, 1952—represents all Puerto Ricans regardless of ideology or political preference. As such, he maintained that it must be performed in strict adherence to its legal and institutional status during official or public ceremonies.

Romero argued that alternate or historical versions of the anthem, especially those associated with political or armed struggle movements, do not reflect Puerto Rico’s current democratic context. Their use at nonpartisan events in public facilities, he added, introduces political symbolism that is inappropriate for sporting environments.

The letter further outlines the municipality’s expectation that organizers, teams and participants ensure events held in San Juan’s sports venues promote unity and uphold the spirit of athletic competition. Romero urged stakeholders to avoid actions or expressions that might generate division or distract from the purpose of friendly sporting gatherings.

He concluded by reaffirming that his administration will continue overseeing municipal facilities to ensure their use benefits all Puerto Ricans, highlighting values that unify the community and rejecting actions that could undermine collective harmony.