Plena is a traditional form of Puerto Rican music. It’s a blend of Spanish and African music. The music’s beat and rhythm are mainly due to handheld drums called Pandereta or Panderos. The drums is best described as a handheld drum with stretched animal skin covering a round wooden frame.

Other instruments heard in Plena music are the cuatro, the guiro the maracas and a accordion. The rhythm itself was reportedly created by a black couple who were originally from Barbodas and who lived in Joya del Castillo. A section of Ponce Puerto Rico. Probably occurring in 1919.

There is some speculation that “Plena” is a corruption of “Play Anna” the alleged initial call, used by the husband to ask wife to assist him in drumming. By playing the counterpoint that characterized Plena.

However Puerto Rican Historians such as Ricardo Alegria has debased this as an Urban Legend. Since the name Plena has been used to depict the danceable part of the traditional merengue, as early as 1950. The traditional epicenter of Plena was probably San Anton, a Barrio of Ponce.

Whenever Plena is played the audience also join in by singing clapping or dancing. Plena is played throughout Puerto Rico, especially during the special occasions such as the Christmas Season.

The traditional clothing of plena for men white paints rolled up right above their ankles with a red or blue material similar to a scarf that covers the belt. with a machete hanging from the waist a matching handkerchief on their neck and a straw hat.

The women wore a white blouse that hangs over their shoulders and a red or blue skirt that has three ruffle with a white lace at the end of every ruffle. The women wore their hair up with a white or red rose on the lift side. Both men and woman dance Plena barefooted.