All-Star Tropical Holidays

By Ayleen Anqueira. Photos by Ronald C. Flores.

Puerto Rico is known for having the best Holiday season and the only one with a five-star rating. Why? Because here we enjoy a delicious climate: cold and snow are exchanged for sun and sand. Instead of building snowmen, here we erect sandcastles. Snow doesn’t fall from the sky on the island, but plentiful warm sunshine allows you to engage in outdoor sports, sightseeing, and more. But that’s not all: in Puerto Rico you will find the perfect blend of customs, cuisine, and activities brimming with unrivaled joy.

Our Holiday season begins in November with Thanksgiving, and ends in January with the San Sebastián Street Fair. Some of the traditional celebrations came to the island along with the conquistadors and now coexist in modern festivities. The season’s main celebrations are the Aguinaldo Masses (Dec. 17-24), Christmas Eve (Dec. 24), Christmas (Dec. 25), New Year’s Eve (Dec. 31), New Year’s (Jan. 1), Three King’s Eve (Jan. 5), Three Kings Day or Epiphany (Jan. 6), Octavitas (Jan. 7-14) and San Sebastián Street Festival (Jan. 15-18).

At night, friends and family usually form groups for parrandas or trullas (a gathering of people singing and dancing until the wee hours), arriving by surprise at an acquaintance’s home. At each stop, more people join the group, which then continues on its merry journey, visiting additional homes.

On Dec. 24, we celebrate the birth of Jesus and on Dec. 25 children eagerly await the arrival of Santa Claus’ presents. On the night of Jan. 5, Three King’s Eve, children gather grass and leave it as food for the camels of the Three Kings, who visit the house while the occupants are asleep. The following day, Jan. 6, we celebrate the arrival of the Three Kings (or Epiphany Day) and children discover that the grass is gone and there are gifts for everyone. This celebration is considered one of the most cherished events of the season.

As anywhere else in the world, New Year’s Eve in Puerto Rico is a lively and boisterous night. Some people incorporate superstitions in their celebrations so the New Year will bring them luck. These superstitions include eating 12 grapes in the last 12 seconds before midnight and throwing a bucket of cold water out on the street at the stroke of midnight to do away with bad luck and welcome in good fortune.

Since we don’t want the festivities to end, we celebrate Octavitas, the eight days following the Epiphany—which provide an excellent “excuse” to continue parrandas from home to home  and keep enjoying the season’s yummy dishes. After Octavitas comes the San Sebastián Street Festival weekend, when this Old San Juan neighborhood and its surroundings fill up with a huge, lively, and bustling festival.

Throughout the season, most municipalities, shopping centers, and hotels incorporate live Holiday music in their seasonal events, including the lighting of Holiday decorations, Santa Claus’ and the Three Kings’ arrival, Holiday trullas, and much more. We recommend that you check out the events listed in our destination sections, as well as the list of mall and hotel events available in this issue. Happy Holidays!

Municipal Events

North

Arecibo (787-817-0415)

• Dec. 1-Jan. 15: Fun Valley Park, Barrio Tanamá. Have fun at all the attractions during the day and at night enjoy the light show and artificial snow starting at 6 p.m.

Barceloneta (787-846-3400)

• Dec. 12-14: Lighting of the Holiday Decorations, José Cordero Square. An event with traditional holiday music and food.

Camuy (787-898-1556)

• Jan. 5: Velorio de Reyes. Includes artisans, food kiosks, a Mass, a sung Rosary, and live shows.

Dorado (787-796-6001)

• Dec. 5-21: 27 Holiday Fest. Gran Parque El Dorado. Event with music and food.

• Dec. 20: 2nd Dorado Artisans Holiday Fair. Casa de Artesano Doradeño. Features artisans, food kiosks and live shows.

Manatí (787-854-2024)

• Jan. 5: Three Kings Fest, Town Square. A children’s event with traditional holiday music and presents for the kids.

Vega Baja (787-858-5801)

• Nov. 23: Children’s Fair, Train Station.

• Nov. 30: Lighting of the Holiday Decorations, José Francisco Náter Square. An event with traditional holiday music (Banda de Conciertos de P.R.) and food.

• Jan. 6: Three Kings Fest, Tortuguero Recreation Area. A children’s event with traditional holiday music and presents.

West

Aguada (787-868-0622)

• Dec. 5: Lighting of the Holiday Decorations, Cristóbal Colón Square. An event with traditional holiday music and food.

Aguadilla (787-891-1005)

• Dec. 5: Holiday Parade, Plácido Acevedo Square and Rafael Hernández Square. A traditional caroling festivity that includes Puerto Rican holiday songs, artisan exhibits, food kiosks, and fun.

• Jan. 3: Children’s Festival, Barrio San Antonio and Rafael Hernández Square. A family-oriented event with traditional holiday music, clowns, puppets, games, fun activities, food, and presents for the kids.

Guánica (787-821-3898)

• Nov. 23: Lighting of the Holiday Decorations, Town Square. Event kicks off the holiday season with musical performances and shows.

Mayagüez (787-265-1755)

• Nov. 29: Lighting of the Holiday Decorations, Town Hall. Event to kicks off the holiday season with musical performances and shows.

• December: Holiday Caroling, different parts of town. Features live music shows.

• Dec. 7: Lighting of the Holiday Decorations, Millennium Park. Event kicks off the holiday season with musical performances and shows.

Quebradillas (787-895-1070)

• Dec. 13: Güiro Festival, Luis Muñoz Rivera Square. This celebration features music, games, and food kiosks.

Moca (787-877-1080)

• Nov. 21: Lighting of the Holiday Decorations, Town Square. An event with traditional holiday music and food.

• Dec. 6, 13, 22 & 29: Holiday Caroling, Town Square.

South

Arroyo (787-839-3500)

• Nov. 21: Lighting of the Holiday Decorations, Town Square. Event marks the

official start of the holiday season with musical performances and shows.

• Jan. 4: Toys Giveaway, all town sectors. A children’s event with traditional holiday music and presents for the kids.

Coamo (787-825-1150)

• Nov. 28: Lighting of the Holiday Decorations, Luis Muñoz Rivera Square. Event

kicks off the holiday season with musical performances and shows.

• Nov. 21: Holiday Parade, Luis Muñoz Rivera Square. A traditional caroling festivity that includes Puerto Rican holiday songs, artisan exhibits, food kiosks, and fun.

• Dec. 15: Aguinaldo (Holiday) Masses, San Blas Church. Masses are held at 5:00

a.m. for seven-consecutive days prior to Christmas Eve.

Patillas (787-839-5929)

• Dec. 5-7: Holiday Parade, Town Square. A traditional caroling festivity that

includes Puerto Rican holiday songs, artisan exhibits, food kiosks, and fun.

Peñuelas (787-836-4035)

• Nov. 28: Holiday Parade, Town Square. A traditional festivity that includes Puerto Rican holiday songs, artisan exhibits, food kiosks, and fun.

Central

Ciales (787-621-5694)

• Dec. 4: Lighting of the Holiday Decorations, Town Square. Holiday music,

fireworks, and Banda Concierto de P.R.

Comerío (787-875-3445)

• Dec. 12-14: Holiday Fest (Fiesta Pa’ Ti), Basketball Complex. Handicrafts, kiosks, live music, and local foods.

Corozal (787-859-3060)

• Nov. 21: Lighting of the Holiday Decorations, Town Square. Holiday music with

Cantores de San Juan.

Orocovis (787-867-5000 or 787-320-2371)

• Nov. 28-30: National Puerto Rican Pastel Festival, Public Parking Building.

A three-day culinary festival featuring pasteles (a local holiday delicacy), music, dancing.

East

Caguas (787-647-3646)

• Nov. 28: Lighting of the Holiday Decorations and Al Fresco, Paseo de las Artes. An event to light up the Holiday decorations, featuring music shows and a gastronomic fest.

• Jan. 5: Caroling with the Three Kings, Plaza Palmer. A traditional caroling

festivity with holiday songs.

Culebra (787-742-1033)

• Dec. 25: Holiday Parade, Town Square. Features live shows; clowns painting

kids’ faces and creating balloon animals; snacks; and beverages.

• Dec. 31: Happy New Year at the Town Square.

Fajardo (787-863-4013)

• Dec. 5: Lighting of the Holiday Decorations, Santiago Apóstol Square. Features a parade of floats and performers plus exhibitions, music, handicrafts, food kiosks, and more.

• Dec. 6: Municipal Art School’s Holiday Recital, Santiago Apóstol Square. A family-oriented event highlighting the talent of students attending the Art School.

Las Piedras (787-733-2160)

• Dec. 13-14: Roast Pork Festival, Paseo Artesanal. The celebration features music and food kiosks.

Vieques (787-741-5000)

• Dec. 20: 17th Vieques Holiday Troubadour Fest, Luis Muñoz Rivera Square.

Features live musical performances.

Metro Area

Bahía Urbana Muelle 8, San Juan (787-977-2777)

• Nov. 30: VIP Kid Zone. 3:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.

• Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve Party

• Dec. 17-Jan. 11: Christmas Town. 6:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m.

• Nov. 30-Dec. 7: Guavate en la Bahía, Café 8.

Carolina (787-757-4011)

• Dec. 25-Jan. 2: Giant Fantasy Park, Julia de Burgos Park. Features family-oriented entertainment, rides, an animal farm, local foods, and shows on weekends.

Condado, San Juan (787-781-2070, 787-767-6992)

• Nov. 2: Fine Wine Celebration, Vanderbilt Hotel. The event brings together more than 40 of the world’s most prestigious winemakers.

Guaynabo (787-720-4040)

• Nov. 26: Lighting of the Holiday Decorations, Town Square. Event kicks off the holiday season. Musical performances and shows.

• Dec. 3-15: Holiday Caroling, different parts of town. A traditional caroling festivity with holiday songs.

• Jan. 4: Caroling with the Three Kings, different sectors across town. Traditional festivity with holiday songs.

Old San Juan

• Dec. 17-23: Aguinaldo Masses (787-722-0861). 5:30 a.m. San Juan Cathedral, San Francisco Church, Santa Ana Chapel, Siervas de María Convent, La Rogativa and La Perla neighborhoods.

• Jan. 6: Traditional Three Kings’ Day Fest (787-721-7000), Fortaleza, Old San Juan. A familyoriented event providing the right ambiance in which to enjoy one of Puerto Rico’s oldest and most important traditions. The Governor urges families to attend—between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.—and participate in various activities designed to promote healthy lifestyles among youngsters and adults and also enjoy musical performances and recreational experiences focusing on positive values and local traditions. Simultaneous celebrations will be held in Barceloneta’s Sports Complex and Camp Santiago in Salinas.

• Jan. 15-18: San Sebastián Festival (787-725-7559, 787-723-7800, Annual carnival-like festival with nightly celebrations featuring music, processions,

local foods, and graphic arts and handicraft exhibits.

Theater

Luis A. Ferré Performing Arts Center, Santurce (787-620-4444, 787-792-5000)

• Dec. 5-7: The Nutcracker, Ballet Concierto de P.R.

• Dec. 5-7: Holiday Season, Ballet de San Juan

• Dec. 12-14: Noche de Paz

• Dec. 18-21: Él ha nacido

• Dec. 20: Holiday Concert (Symphony Hall)

• Jan. 4: Traditional Three Kings’ Concert (Symphony Hall)

Note: More events available in each destination section. All events are subject to change. The magazine isn’t responsible for any schedule changes, so we recommend you call to confirm.

Navidades en el trópico: 
una experiencia de cinco estrellas

Puerto Rico se destaca por tener las mejores fiestas navideñas y las únicas de cinco estrellas. ¿Por qué? Porque gozamos de un clima delicioso: aquí se cambia el frío y la nieve por el sol y la arena. En vez de hacer muñecos de nieve, aquí hará castillos de arena. Del cielo no cae nieve, sino emanan rayos de sol que le permitirán hacer deportes al aire libre, visitar lugares de interés y mucho más. Pero eso no es todo: en Puerto Rico encontrará una fusión perfecta de costumbres, gastronomía y actividades rebosantes de alegría sin igual.

Nuestra temporada navideña comienza en noviembre con el Día de Acción de Gracias y concluye en enero con las Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián. Algunas de las celebraciones tradicionales llegaron a la isla con los conquistadores y coexisten con las más modernas. Las principales celebraciones de la temporada son las Misas de Aguinaldo (17-24 de diciembre), Nochebuena (24 de diciembre), Navidad (25 de diciembre), Despedida de Año (31 de diciembre), Año Nuevo (1 de enero), Víspera de Reyes (5 de enero), Día de Reyes o Epifanía (6 de enero), Octavitas (7-14 de enero) y las Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián (15-18 de enero). 

En las noches, amigos y familiares acostumbran formar grupos para llevar parrandas o trullas (actividades donde se canta y baila hasta entrada la madrugada), llegando por sorpresa a la casa de algún conocido. En cada parada se unen más personas y el grupo continúa su alegre recorrido, visitando más hogares.

El 24 de diciembre celebramos el nacimiento del Niño Jesús y el 25 de diciembre los niños esperan la llegada de Santa Claus con sus presentes. La noche del 5 de enero, Víspera de Reyes, los niños salen a recoger hierba y la dejan como alimento para los camellos de los Reyes Magos, quienes visitarán la casa mientras sus ocupantes duermen. Al día siguiente, el 6 de enero, se celebra la llegada de los Tres Reyes Magos (o Epifanía) y los niños descubren que en lugar de hierba hay regalos para todos. Esta celebración se considera una de las actividades más típicas de la época.

Como en cualquier parte del mundo, la Despedida de Año es una noche animada y sonora. Algunas personas incorporan algunas supersticiones a la celebración para que el nuevo año traiga consigo buena suerte. Dichas supersticiones incluyen  comer 12 uvas en los últimos doce segundos previos a la medianoche y echar un cubo de agua fría fuera de la casa justo a las 12:00 para que salga la mala suerte y entre la buena.

Como no queremos que los festejos terminen, celebramos las Octavitas, que son los ocho días que siguen al Día de Reyes (y proveen una excelente “excusa” para seguir llevando parrandas de casa en casa y continuar disfrutando los manjares de la temporada). Luego llega el fin de semana de las Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián, donde este vecindario del Viejo San Juan y sus alrededores se  convierten en la sede de una enorme, animada y bulliciosa fiesta de pueblo.

A lo largo de la temporada, los municipios, centros comerciales y nuestras hospederías en su mayoría ofrecen música típica en vivo durante sus respectivas actividades, que incluyen el encendido de las decoraciones navideñas, la  bienvenida a Santa Claus y a los Tres Reyes Magos, trullas navideñas y muchas más. Recomendamos que consulte las secciones de eventos de las diversas regiones de la isla y la lista de actividades en centros comerciales y hoteles, disponibles en esta edición. Que la alegría de la temporada llene de dicha su corazón. ¡Felicidades!