The Puerto Rican people as a whole are of mixed white, Indian, and black descent, with black heritage most prominent on the coasts and Indian in the mountains. The commonwealth constitution provides for complete separation of church and state, but Roman Catholic customs and traditions remain powerful factors in the daily lives of the Puerto Rican people. Puerto Rican customs are basically Spanish, modified considerably by American influences. Typically, Puerto Ricans are sensitive, quick to express sympathy, and equally quick to resent slights. They are sincerely hospitable, gregarious, and fond of fiestas.
Family ties are very strong, extending to the most distant relatives.
Men and boys cling to the traditional sport of cockfighting, although baseball and basketball are also very popular. It is published monthly for free distribution. In San Juan the original Spanish city, Old San Juan, abounds in colonial houses that have been restored to their original state. Another is the Museum of Puerto Rican Art, with a collection from pre-Columbian times to the present. The University of Puerto Rico, in the Rio Piedras section of San Juan, is architecturally distinguished and has exhibits of art and archaeology.