Plaza de Armas

🇵🇷 Some of Viejo San Juan’s longest existing businesses still remain in operation in this plaza.

The “Puerto Rico Drug Store” stands on the corner in its light-blue colored building, the site of a retail establishment for 170 years. And “Joyeria Catalá”/“Catalá Jewelers”, stands in the same site where it began doing business in 1930. Both are still owned and managed by local families.

😇 Another icon of business never had a shop. He held his inventory in his pockets. He did hold steady business hours as he helped feed the birds, selling bags of birdseed to passers by. He was Plaza de Armas’ original “Bird Whisperer”, Señor Manolo. He brought incredible joy and laughter to local Puerto Rican families and numerous travelers! He was a kind-hearted soul who offered assurance to many young children, uncertain if they should befriend his wild feathered flock of Pigeons in Plaza de Armas. He was simply, the best. I miss all the giggles that he and his “feathered family” generated in this wonderful place! RIP Siempre! 💕

Señor Manolo’s image appears below.