On February 13, Taller Puertorriqueño held its first domino tournament, a cultural initiative that brought together people of all ages in an atmosphere filled with music, food, and friendly competition. The free event reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to the community and to promoting Puerto Rican traditions in Philadelphia, home to one of the largest Puerto Rican populations outside the island.

Organizer Alba Martínez explained that the idea stemmed from a desire to innovate and create spaces for cultural connection: “Dominoes is culture, it’s a game, and it’s an opportunity to bring people together to create spaces where we feel happy, where we feel united, where we belong. Dominoes are especially important because they are intergenerational. It doesn’t matter your age or your level of experience; anyone can come, read the rules, and play. Essentially, in Philadelphia, we are the third-largest Puerto Rican community in the world, and dominoes, as we know, is a very significant cultural expression. We wanted to open El Taller as a space to celebrate our culture through dominoes,” she said.

The tournament received support from community organizations, including Congreso de Latinos Unidos as the main sponsor, as well as La Guagua 47 and the Norris Square Senior Community Center. “It’s a free event because we have many partners… And the key is always to say yes. When the community approaches and says, ‘Let’s do something,’ the answer should always be yes,” Martínez added.

For El Taller, this event marks the beginning of new cultural initiatives: “And as you see the results, this is the beginning of many good things. El Taller Puertorriqueño is an extraordinary cultural platform… and our vision is to open it every week for something different something that celebrates community and culture,” she affirmed.

The event also became a space for reconnection. “This reminds me of my childhood in Puerto Rico. Being here with my children and grandchildren playing dominoes is priceless,” commented José Martínez. Primitiva, who attended with her husband and won the tournament, agreed: “Sometimes routine separates us, but events like this bring us back together. There’s music, food, and above all, camaraderie.”

Janette Díaz, CEO of Congreso, highlighted the intergenerational value of the initiative: “We wanted to join a celebration of the community, and this was a great way to bring everyone together… Walking into that room and seeing so many people reminded me of when I was little and my grandmother and my aunts were together… playing dominoes. Those memories feel warm… This feels truly beautiful and welcoming,” she said.

More than just a competition, the tournament solidified a space where the community can reconnect, share, and reaffirm its cultural identity.