The Smithsonian’s Natural History account says jíbaro music began as a folk music style in Puerto Rico’s mountainous countryside. The tradition blends Spanish colonial and native Taíno elements.

According to the Smithsonian, the rhythm in jíbaro music comes from the guiro, described as an Indigenous instrument made with a hollow gourd. The guiro’s ridges are scraped with stiff wires or a baton to make a shushing or rasping sound.

The Smithsonian says jíbaro music was originally tied to small-scale farmers, and later spread worldwide as a symbol of Puerto Rico’s culture. Today, guiros are made of metal, plastic, or wood, but they continue to accompany stringed instruments such as the cuatro and guitar.

The Smithsonian adds that the instrument’s name comes from a Taíno word for the fruit of the higüero or calabash tree, listed as Crescentia cujete. The Smithsonian also defines the Taíno as Indigenous inhabitants of the Caribbean, including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The Smithsonian post also references two guiro items in its collections. It says the guiro shown in Image 1 was collected in 1899 from Caguas, Puerto Rico. It says the guiro and scratcher shown in Image 2 were collected in 1956 from Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico.

Water Guide

Natural History Museum Closes Madison Drive Entrance

The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History said its Madison Drive entrance will not be open to visitors today, June 24. Its Constitution Avenue entrance will remain open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Apex Police Announces Annual Community Police Academy

Apex Police said applications are open for its annual Community Police Academy. The deadline to return the application is Friday August 7 at 5 p.m.

Apex police blood drive to boost July rewards

Apex police said The Blood Connection is increasing donor rewards in July. Donors will receive $60 in e-giftcard credit and $10 will be donated in their honor to support Special Olympics NC.

Apex to Close Town Offices for July 4 Holiday

The Town of Apex says all town offices and facilities will close on Friday, July 3, for the July 4 holiday. Trash and recycling will follow the normal schedule.

Apex advises what to bring to Fireworks Frenzy

The Town of Apex shared a checklist for attendees at Fireworks Frenzy, including items to bring and items not allowed. The town also urged people to check parking and viewing options and to help keep the festival area clean.

Wake County Public Schools Congratulates Panther Creek Graduates

Wake County Public Schools congratulated the graduates at Panther Creek High School. The post celebrated the Class of 2026 and wished them success next.

Wake County Schools urges families to check score reports

Wake County Public Schools shared a family message asking parents to review students’ Individual Score Reports. The message refers to spring EOG/EOC tests.

Wake County to host En Plein Air exhibit at parks

Wake County Parks said its En Plein Air Art Celebration traveling exhibit will visit four county parks through the rest of 2026. The exhibit will feature more than 40 original works of art, starting at Beech Bluff County Park on July 1.

Enloe Team Wins Fifth Straight NC Envirothon Title

Enloe High School’s Subchronic Exposure team won its fifth consecutive NC Envirothon state championship. The team will represent North Carolina at the International NCF-Envirothon in Starkville, Mississippi, July 19-25.