El cuatro puertorriqueño, or the Puerto Rican cuatro, is an instrument similar to the guitar, but with 10 strings. The cuatro is very common in Puerto Rican music, and its something that reminds me a lot of my dad and my grandfather.  My dad tells me that my grandfather learned how to play from his brother when they where younger, and that they played often, performing in church or playing in parrandas, which can be compared to Christmas carols. When my dad and his family moved to the mainland, my grandfathers brother gave my grandfather his cuatro so that he could still play over here. When my dad grew older and would visit my grandfather, he would ask him to teach him small songs. Now, my dad has his own cuatro that he occasionally pulls out to play songs and sing. Even though I was born on the mainland, the cuatro helps me stay connected with my culture. Music is such an important part of Puerto Rican culture, and the cuatro is heard in many Puerto Rican songs, especially during Christmas time. When I hear this instrument I will remember all the stories my parents told me, about our family and about our beautiful island.

– Xavier Vargas

Relationship:  unknown unknown