Holyoke visited Salinas to deepen Puerto Rican cultural bonds, promote tourism, and honor the city’s historic role in the invention of volleyball.
Explore Salinas, Holyoke’s Sister City on Puerto Rico’s Southern Coast
Holyoke, MA proudly shares a sister-city connection with Salinas, Puerto Rico — a vibrant coastal community known as “La Cuna del Mojarra” (The Cradle of the Mojarra fish) and “La Ciudad del Marlin” (The Marlin City). Located on Puerto Rico’s southern coast along the Caribbean Sea, Salinas is a welcoming town that blends rich history, lively festivals, and stunning natural beauty. Its culture is deeply rooted in local fishing traditions and Puerto Rican heritage, while also serving as a growing destination for travelers looking to experience authentic coastal life, flavorful cuisine, and warm community pride.
What Makes Salinas Special — A Sister City with Heart, History, and Coastal Beauty
Beaches & Waterfront
Playa Salinas and nearby cays are local favorites for boating, fishing, swimming, and enjoying breathtaking sunsets.
Food & Flavor
Known for its fresh seafood, Salinas is home to some of Puerto Rico’s best restaurants serving mofongo, fried fish, and other coastal dishes.
Culture & Traditions
From lively patron saint festivals to sports like baseball and fishing tournaments, Salinas is a community that celebrates together.
Nature & Adventure
Visitors can explore mangroves, nature reserves, and outdoor activities that highlight the island’s natural treasures.
What started as a fun idea for a volleyball match with Mayor Karilyn Bonilla Colón of Salinas has grown into something much bigger — a true sister city challenge. With support from our community and partners like Casella Waste Systems, we’re building connections that celebrate our shared heritage and open new opportunities for sport, tourism, and cultural exchange.
In a show of pride and unity, Holyoke topped Salinas in the friendly volleyball match — a fitting tribute to the sport’s birthplace and the bond between both cities.
Sister City Connection
The sister city partnership between Holyoke and Salinas is more than symbolic — it’s a living celebration of cultural pride, heritage, and connection. Both communities are bound by deep Puerto Rican roots that have shaped Holyoke’s identity for generations, making the relationship with Salinas especially meaningful. Through shared traditions, festivals, music, food, and the spirit of community exchange, the partnership creates opportunities for residents to learn from one another, strengthen family and cultural ties, and highlight the lasting impact of Puerto Rican culture in Holyoke. With Holyoke home to one of the largest Puerto Rican populations in the continental United States, this connection bridges distance and strengthens unity across generations and geography.
Trip to Salinas Highlights
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Plan Your Journey to Salinas — Holyoke’s Sister City on the South Shore of Puerto Rico
Discover Salinas — Holyoke’s sister city on Puerto Rico’s southern shore — a vibrant coastal destination known for its authentic culture, fresh seafood, scenic trails, and warm hospitality. From dining along the Caribbean Sea with the region’s signature mojo isleño to exploring mangroves, mountains, and local attractions like the Olympic complex and speedway, Salinas offers a memorable and meaningful getaway that honors the cultural bridge between our communities. Learn more at discoverpuertorico.com.
