Blood on the Streets: The Río Piedras Massacre and Puerto Rico's Struggle for Freedom

On Palm Sunday, March 21, 1937, a peaceful demonstration in Ponce, Puerto Rico, turned into a bloodbath that forever scarred the island's history. This gripping account revisits that day, when the colonial authorities opened fire on unarmed civilians, killing nineteen and wounding over two hundred. Among the victims was a seven-year-old girl. Amid the chaos, one dying nationalist used his own blood to write a final message: "Long live the Republic, Down with the Murderers." These haunting words would become a symbol of Puerto Rican resistance and the unyielding spirit of a people seeking liberation from colonial rule.

Author Alex Alicea uncovers the story behind the Ponce Massacre, exploring the roots of Puerto Rico's fierce struggle for independence. From the rise of the Nationalist Party under Pedro Albizu Campos to the devastating economic impact of American policies, Blood on Palm Sunday delves into the complex history leading to that tragic event. Through detailed research and moving eyewitness accounts, Alicea brings to light the courage of those who risked their lives for justice, offering a powerful testament to Puerto Rico's enduring fight for self-determination.

Readers will find themselves immersed in a story that is as emotional as it is enlightening. Alicea's work examines the Ponce Massacre's lasting influence on Puerto Rican identity, civil rights, and the unending struggle for political sovereignty. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in the historical injustices faced by Puerto Rico and the ongoing repercussions that shape its present-day quest for autonomy.

Dive into Blood on Palm Sunday to uncover the full narrative of one of Puerto Rico's most defining moments. With each page, understand the legacy of the Ponce Massacre, honor the resilience of a people, and explore the enduring impact on the fight for Puerto Rican freedom.