Jíbaro tobacco worker in Puerto Rico, 1938 Portrait of a jíbaro in traditional dress, reflecting the rural farming communities that later became a central symbol of Puerto Rican identity. (more) jíbaro Puerto Rican farmer Written by Katie Angell Katie Angell is Associate Editor at Encyclopedia Britannica, covering topics related to Latin America. She holds an MA from Vanderbilt University and is pursuing a PhD in Political Science. Katie Angell Fact-checked by Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Britannica Editors Last updated Mar. 20, 2026 •History jíbaro, a term that originally referred to rural agricultural workers of Puerto Rico, particularly those living in the island’s mountainous interior who worked the land during the Spanish colonial period and into the early 20th century. Initially used to describe a specific occupation and way of life, the term gradually moved beyond its literal meaning to assume broader cultural and symbolic significance. Through its sustained presence in music, literature, and folklore, the jíbaro came to...

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