Bethlehem-Patillas Sister City Committee Strengthens Community Ties

In September 2024, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania created a sister city relationship with Patillas, Puerto Rico, marking a significant milestone in the cities’ shared history. The mission of this partnership is “to foster unity, cultural exchange and community support between the citizens” of the two communities.

The connection between Bethlehem and Patillas dates back to the 1940s and 1950s when many residents from Patillas migrated to Bethlehem to work at Bethlehem Steel and other industrial jobs. These immigrants played an important role in establishing local organizations, such as the Hispanic Center and the Puerto Rican Beneficial Society, which have enriched the cultural diversity in Bethlehem.

Several years ago, Aurea Ortiz, the founder of the Bethlehem-Patillas Sister City Committee, began discussions to formalize a sister city relationship with a city in Puerto Rico. Through community surveys and voting, Patillas was selected. “At first, I was split between Bayamon (both of my children were born in Bayamon) and Patillas because my mother and husband/family are from Patillas,” says Ortiz. “But it was clear that Patillas represents Puerto Rico.”

The relationship was officially recognized during a ceremony at Bethlehem’s City Hall on September 20, 2024, which was attended by representatives from both cities. “A big large, immense flag of Patillas was displayed by children, seniors and many residents that were at the event,” says Ortiz. “Everybody was crying because it took 70 years for this to be a reality. This was one of my proudest moments.”

The Bethlehem-Patillas Sister City Committee has outlined several initiatives for 2025:

• Celebrating Puerto Rico (Chinchorreando) Festival: Scheduled for September 2025, this festival aims to celebrate Puerto Rican culture, food, and music, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation among Bethlehem residents.
• Visit to Patillas: Planned for December 2025, this trip will allow Bethlehem residents to experience Patillas firsthand, strengthening personal and cultural ties.

The committee envisions a future where both cities benefit from shared cultural, educational, and economic opportunities. “As we learn more about each other, it is certain that we will have more respect, understanding and humanity among our citizens,” says Ortiz. “Our music, skin color, ethnicity, religion or anything that may divide us will not get in the way of “we” as people celebrating all our differences.”

To Help Support this Organization please visit: Bethlehem-Patillas Sister City Committee – Humanitarian Social Innovations