It should be no secret that I love Christmas (so much so that since I wasn't in a country that celebrated Thanksgiving this year, I started celebrating after Halloween), so here's a few of my favorite holiday traditions from my home, Puerto Rico:
1. Parrandas
Parrandas are like caroling on steroids. We’ve removed the politeness of showing up at decent hours, knocking on doors and singing on key, and replaced them with showing up at your house at 2 AM, potentially drunk. We shout songs off-key in a way that is both flat and sharp, accompanied by instruments that at times are replaced by pots and pans. Oh, we also expect you to feed us! Here’s a little taste for you:
2. The food
Rice with pigeon peas, pork, pasteles, tembleques – you name it, we got it. Puerto Rico has one of the most savory Christmas traditions out there.
3. Coquito
Coquito is our version of eggnog and it tastes like happiness and Christmas spirit. Made with plenty of coconut based products, rum, and any flavoring you like (Nutella being my top choice), there’s no sweeter way to get into the holiday spirit.
4. Misas de Aguinaldo
These are special masses we have that lead up to Christmas.These masses take place during 5 or 6 AM and are filled with joyful Christmas music accompanied by instruments such as the cuatro, the güiro, pleneras and more. These are also followed by a community breakfast and really promote the spirit of community in the Catholic Church.
5. The 3 Kings
Aside from celebrating the 25th, Puerto Ricans also celebrate 3 Kings day. Some families only give presents on this day, while others give presents on both the 25th and the 6th of January. This day has its own traditions like a special mass, and instead of leaving milk and cookies like you do with Santa, you leave out water for the 3 Kings and a shoe box full of grass (typically collected from our own yards) for the camels.
6. Longest Christmas
Puerto Rican Christmases are famous for being among the longest (if not the longest) in the world. They begin the day after Thanksgiving (November 27) and stretch out until January 22nd when they culminate in a huge party called the Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián, or the feast/party of Saint Sebastian Street.
7. Dressing Up
Whether you’re going to a big party or literally vegging out on your couch until the ball drops in New York to ring in the New Year, you best believe you’ll be dressed to the nines. Makeup and hair done, high heels and dresses – there’s no escaping the glamour of this night. The best part is once its midnight and you’ve all hugged and kissed to celebrate, you get to change into your PJs and enjoy some more coquito.
8. Christmas Sun
Puerto Rico doesn’t get any colder than low to mid 60 degrees Fahrenheit (that’s about 17 degrees Celsius for my non-Fahrenheit friends out there) so while there are cool breezes, there’s no need to bundle up and fear the static electricity of winter clothing.
9. Family Time
Many Puerto Rican families tend to be quite large, so the holidays are a great excuse to get together or visit each other all over the island (and sometimes even abroad). There’s no better feeling than blasting Christmas music and joking around with your favorite family members.
10. Better All Over
While this might not be a strictly Puerto Rican quality, the holidays seem to fill everyone with cheer, love and kindness. There is a special kind of warmth all over the island as we all prepare for Christmas and remember to be the best versions of ourselves as we prepare for a new year.
