There are a couple of reasons why this may be the case. For some, it is easiest to take time off of work in the time between Christmas and New Year's. Further, many families lived scattered throughout the country, so a Christmastime holiday in a fun location makes sense. In some cases, traveling during Christmas can also be affordable if you know where to look for travel deals.
Why go to Puerto Rico at Christmastime? Besides the fact that you'll enjoy a break from the cold weather up north, Puerto Rico is a very special place to spend the holidays. As is typical of islands, Puerto Rico has its own set of Christmas traditions, ranging from decorations and storytelling to wonderful, wonderful food. While the Christmas season in Puerto Rico can begin as early as November, Nochebuena, or Christmas Eve, is Puerto Rico's most anticipated holiday event.
The holidays begin as early as November and can continue until mid-January. That kind of revelry far exceeds the 12 Days of Christmas, and includes some wonderful island traditions. So if you want to get into the Christmas Spirit, Puerto Rico style, here's ideas for you.
Catch a Parranda
A parranda is the local translation of carolers, who will travel around the neighborhood singing aguinaldos. Parrandas get going in late November and can still be found in January.
Celebrate Nochebuena
Christmas Eve trumps Christmas Day for most Puerto Ricans. This is when a typical Puerto Rican Christmas dinner is served, consisting of lechón (roast pork), pasteles (patties), and arroz con gandules (rice ‘n beans). The traditional Christmas dessert is tembleque, which is a kind of custard with coconut, cornstarch, vanilla, and cinnamon. Instead of eggnog, you’ll have coquito, or coconut nog. And after dinner, many Puerto Ricans attend a midnight mass known as the Misa de Gallo or “Rooster’s Mass.” You might just catch a live reenactment of the nativity scene.
New Year's Eve in Puerto Rico is appropriately called Año Viejo, or "Old Year," and it's a fun time to be outside; fireworks, honking cars, and the cacophony of celebration can be heard everywhere. At the stroke of midnight, local tradition demands that you eat 12 grapes for luck. You'll also find some people sprinkling sugar outside their house for good luck or throwing a bucket of water out the window to expel all the negatives of the old year and get ready for a fresh start. As for where to be when the clock strikes 12, head to the Puerto Rico Convention Center for the fireworks show.
Collect Grass for the Camels
On the night before January 6, Three Kings Day, Puerto Rican children collect grass and place it in a shoebox under their beds for the Three Kings' Camels.
Celebrate Three Kings Day
The grand finale of the season for most of the island is El Día de los Tres Reyes Magos, or "Three Kings Day." This day is marked with a large celebration in San Juan, and children can go to La Fortaleza, the governor's mansion, to receive free gifts.
Call Rawhide Travel and Tours at (602) 843-5100 to book your holiday travel today. Check out our website: rawhidetravel.com.
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Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
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