An electronic or live
nativity scene with the Three Wise Men on their camels, complete
with animals brought in from the local zoo, is set up every year at
the “Lomita de los Vientos” located in front of the Capitol. Being
just minutes away from Old San Juan, a stroll to enjoy the
colorfully decorated streets with garlands and lights is inevitable.
“Parrandas,” although
nowadays less common, are still a part of the Christmas tradition.
Groups of friends gather late at night to surprise others, that are
already asleep at home, with music and songs that wake up not only
the home owner but the entire neighborhood. The surprised have
received several clues to suspect that their friends are going to
take them a “parranda” on any given day, so they are prepared with
food and drink to start the party. After a few hours of eating,
dancing and singing, everyone leaves, including the surprised, and
go knock on the door of another unsuspected friend.
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"Parrandas although nowadays less
common, are still a part of the Christmas
tradition..."
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During the past years,
the “Parranda del Pavo” or “Turkey Parranda” has been organized.
Hundreds of people, friends and strangers, meet in the parking lot
of a mall, “Plaza Las Américas” on Thanksgiving Day and they give an
announced "parranda” to a Puerto Rican public figure.
Although Puerto Ricans
are well known for their keen sense of fashion, it is on Christmas
Eve and New Year’s Eve when people wear their best clothes, shoes
and accessories even if they are just celebrating at home.
Christmas Eve is a
family affair. Everyone gathers to eat and enjoy. In the house you
can smell the roasted pig, the rice with pigeon peas, the
“pasteles”, the blood sausage, the “arroz con dulce”, the
“tembleque”, the “majarete”(desserts made with coconut) and the
coconut eggnog, all traditional dishes that are an essential part of
a Christmas in Puerto Rico. Even turkey, customarily used only on
Thanksgiving Day, has become part of the menu for the more health
conscious. The turkey is stuffed with “mofongo” or “yucca” giving
it that Caribbean flavor. After a good meal, many family members
go to Midnight Mass to commemorate Jesus’ birth. Although the
adults would love to sleep-in that morning, the children wake up at
dawn anxious to see what Santa Claus left under the tree.
On New Year’s Eve, friends and family
gather to bring in the New Year. Some people eat 12 grapes when the
clock strikes midnight as a symbol of prosperity for the New Year,
some throw water from their balconies to get rid of the bad and
allow only the good, they also sprinkle sugar around the house to
remove bad luck and attract good luck. Firecrackers, rockets and
horns are heard in the streets while fireworks light up the sky.
People are dressed in their fanciest clothes celebrating with music,
food and drink. Groups follow the countdown on television or radio
and at midnight everyone hugs, kisses and wishes one another a Happy
New Year while listening to the "Toast of the Bohemian."
Perhaps, the most
significant date for the children is January six, Three Wise Men
Day. The night before children cut grass for the camels and put it
in a shoe box under the bed along with a wish list. If the children
have behaved during the year, the Wise Men stop by their houses and
leave gifts under the bed while the camels eat the grass. The
following morning, the children look with excitement for their gifts
under the bed. On that day, many families go to the countryside to
visit relatives that they have not seen often during the year.
The famous Puerto
Rican singer Danny Rivera along with a group of local craftsmen
carved in marble 15 feet figures of the Three Wise Men. The
figures, located on a hill in the town of Cayey, are seen from the
highway. On Three Wise Men Day, many families visit the area to
take a closer look at this masterpiece.
In Puerto Rico, we
refused to say goodbye to the Christmas Holidays. The "octavitas"
are eight days after January six that mark the end of the Holidays
but if eight more days aren’t enough these are followed by eight
more days called the "octavones."
During the “octavitas”
there is a three day celebration in Old San Juan called “Las Fiestas
de la Calle de San Sebastian.” The festivities start each day at
noon and end at whatever time the last person goes home, which is
usually at the wee hours of the morning.
The Holidays are all
about family and following the traditions that make our country
special. From the food to the music, to the spirit of people and
our customs, Christmas in Puerto Rico is an unforgettable
experience; such a memorable celebration that as soon as the Holiday
Season ends, the people are already making plans on how they will
celebrate their next Christmas.
Christmas Recipe
Coquito
(coconut eggnog)
Serves 12-16
1 can (15 ounces) cream of the coconut
1 can (14 ounces) condensed milk
2 cans (12 ounces each one) evaporated milk
2 cups white rum
1 teaspoon of cinnamon
1. In a bowl, combine coconut, condensed milk, evaporated milk
and rum.
2. Blend all ingredients and add cinnamon.
3. Pour coquito into glass bottles and keep refrigerated.
4. Shake well before serving.
5. Serve in punch glasses and sprinkle with cinnamon.
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