Patillas, Puerto Rico
In the 1940s and 1950s, residents from Patillas, Puerto Rico (“los Patillenses”) came to live and work in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, for Bethlehem Steel and other industrial vocations. In the years that followed, faith communities, businesses, and advocacy efforts sprung forth – all led by Puerto Ricans who migrated from Patillas and surrounding municipalities. Puerto Ricans are currently a large part of Bethlehem’s 30% Latino/e and Hispanic population and continue to contribute economically, culturally, and philanthropically.
In 2022, the Mayor’s Latino Advisory Council discussed pursuing a sister city relationship with a city in Puerto Rico given our historical and present context. In spring of 2023, they surveyed local community members about what they desired in a relationship and constituents in Patillas showed a mutual desire for a formalized sister city relationship with Bethlehem. In the fall of 2023, Mayor Maritza Sánchez Neris visited Bethlehem alongside leaders from organizations from Patillas (Los Buenos de Patillas and Abrazo Patillense) and the mayor accepted the invitation from the City of Bethlehem to become sister cities. Today, we honor not only the history that Patillas and Bethlehem share, but our current partnership and future opportunities around workforce development, educational partnerships, recreational opportunities, and climate resilience. The relationship was formalized between both Mayor’s Offices and witnessed by community leaders, residents, and educators in Town Hall on September 20th, 2024. The city of Patillas is located in the southeastern coast of Puerto Rico and has a population of 15,927 people as of 2022.