<P> From the Spanish, Puerto Rico received the Spanish language, the Catholic religion and the vast majority of their cultural and moral values and traditions . The United States added English - language influence, the university system and the adoption of some holidays and practices . On March 12, 1903, the University of Puerto Rico was officially founded, branching out from the "Escuela Normal Industrial", a smaller organization that was founded in Fajardo three years before . </P> <P> Much of Puerto Rican culture centers on the influence of music and has been shaped by other cultures combining with local and traditional rhythms . Early in the history of Puerto Rican music, the influences of Spanish and African traditions were most noticeable . The cultural movements across the Caribbean and North America have played a vital role in the more recent musical influences which have reached Puerto Rico . </P> <P> The official symbols of Puerto Rico are the reinita mora or Puerto Rican spindalis (a type of bird), the flor de maga (a type of flower), and the ceiba or kapok (a type of tree). The unofficial animal and a symbol of Puerto Rican pride is the coquí, a small frog . Other popular symbols of Puerto Rico are the jíbaro (the "countryman"), and the carite . </P> <P> The architecture of Puerto Rico demonstrates a broad variety of traditions, styles and national influences accumulated over four centuries of Spanish rule, and a century of American rule . Spanish colonial architecture, Ibero - Islamic, art deco, post-modern, and many other architectural forms are visible throughout the island . From town to town, there are also many regional distinctions . </P>

When did puerto rico become a state in the united states