Cruisin' the Classics: A Puerto Rican Drive-In Theater Revival

Drive-in theaters are nostalgic relics of the past. Learn how Auto-Cine Santana is keeping the tradition alive in Puerto Rico.

While how a night at the movie theater looks has changed throughout the years, most generations have fond memories of watching films with friends and family. Today, movie-goers head to the theater or stream something at home — something that has become a universal tradition. However, nothing feels as nostalgic and memorable as a night at the drive-in theater. The crackle of the speakers, the smell of popcorn, and the excitement of watching a movie under the stars can surely bring up fond memories of simpler times. And while drive-in cinemas are nowhere near as popular as they used to be, there’s a renewed interest in bringing them back. One place that has been keeping the auto cinema tradition alive is the Auto-Cine Santana, located in the northern town of Arecibo.

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Santana Drive In Box Office — Auto-Cine Santana was opened in 1957 to add new entertainment options to the Arecibo community.

The Rise of Drive-in Theatres in Puerto Rico

Dating back to the mid-20th century, drive-in theaters first gained popularity in Puerto Rico in the 1950s and 1960s. These outdoor theaters flourished, offering a unique entertainment experience for families and couples alike. The trend reached Puerto Rico, with various cinemas, like the International Drive-In in Bayamón and the Autocine Atlántico in nearby Hatillo. Auto-Cine Santana was opened in 1957 by Elías Gerandi and his wife, Guillermina Alu. These local business owners, already established in the movie theater business, saw an opportunity to expand their presence in Arecibo and add new entertainment options to the community.

This family business flourished during the 1960s and 1970s — serving cinema with a Boricua twist. In addition to the standard movie theater fare, you could also eat fritangas — delicious fried foods like bacalaitos, empanadillas, and alcapurrias, as well as fresh-squeezed juices. This era was full of other independent cinemas in Puerto Rico, with famous locales like Cine Roxy, Cine Apolo, and Cine Roosevelt in San Juan, Cine Oller in Bayamón, and many others. As the 1980s rolled around, a cultural shift was just on the horizon that brought the drive-in cinema to a halt.

Taquilla del Auto-Cine Santana — In Arecibo, Auto-Cine Santana has evolved into a cultural hub, offering more than just movies.

Driving into the Sunset: The Decline of Drive-Thru Theatres in Puerto Rico

The decline of other drive-ins mirrors the rise and fall of independent cinemas worldwide. The advent of home video, urban development, and changing consumer preferences shifted demand, making many drive-ins a relic of a bygone era. However, Auto-Cine Santana has remained a beloved local institution.

Auto-Cine Santana, with its rich history of entertaining the community, continues to thrive today. Francisco Domínguez, the current owner, and great-grandson of Elias and Guillermina, has shared that despite various challenges, his parents reopened the drive-in in 1990, continuing its success and securing a family legacy.

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The Revival of Auto-Cine Santana

Since reopening in 1990, this drive-in theater has served the community uninterrupted for 32 years, being the last of its kind on the Island. While the prices and concessions have remained the same, they’ve also balanced that to keep up with the times. In addition to its nostalgic charm, Auto-Cine Santana also embraces modern technology, investing in high-quality digital projectors to ensure crisp, high-definition images.

In Arecibo, Auto-Cine Santana has become more than just a place to watch movies — it's a cultural hub. The theater hosts special events, screenings of classic films, and even live performances. People come from all over the Island to journey into the past and enjoy a movie under the stars with friends and family. So, if you’re seeking a unique cultural experience when visiting Puerto Rico, plan a visit to revel in the magic of classic cinema and be part of this enduring legacy.

In a world where streaming and on-demand media make it easier and more convenient to watch films, Auto-Cine Santana stands as a cultural icon and as one family’s legacy that started over 60 years ago. This family-owned and operated business is not only a testament to Puerto Rican resilience, but it also contributes to keeping independent cinemas alive in Puerto Rico.