Christmas is weeks away! Although the holiday season begins here in November, for some people the countdown starts in these two weeks. Because the hustle never stops, we wanted to pause for a moment to recall those old traditions our readers love. We hope that reading them brings a cherished memory to mind.
1. Christmas parrandas
Here comes the trulla. Without a doubt, the most mentioned tradition was the parranda. To the sound of the cuatro, güiro and pandereta, nocturnal aguinaldos have arrived at thousands of homes on the Island. This centuries-old tradition originates as a reenactment of the biblical story of Mary and Joseph searching for shelter before the birth of Jesus. Anyone who senses a parranda is coming should have a pot of asopao ready to receive the celebration, and then join the festive route to other homes.
Although this tradition has diminished in recent years, it remains strong in rural areas of Puerto Rico.
2. Three Kings Day parade in Juana Díaz
Waiting for the Kings. Our readers carry countless memories of Three Kings Eve. On this night, families have dinner together, take the children out to cut grass and prepare boxes to receive the camels that hide gifts. A tradition that comes from Spain, it commemorates the visit of the Three Wise Men after the birth of Jesus.
Like Christmas Eve, it is usually accompanied by religious celebrations and cultural festivals. Among them, the Three Kings Day parade in Juana Díaz stands as the oldest Christmas festival: it turned 140 years old in 2024.
3. New Year's rituals in Puerto Rico
Out with the old year! Although New Year's Eve is celebrated worldwide, there are certain traditions that set Puerto Ricans apart and could be considered "rituals" for welcoming the coming year. Below, some of the best known:
Warding off bad luck: If you want to keep bad luck at bay, make sure you welcome the new year wearing new clothes. Many people also throw a bucket of water into the street to rid the house of negative energy and bring in the good.
Attracting money: For prosperity, keep this ritual in mind. Prepare a plate with 12 grapes, and as midnight strikes, eat them all to attract more money. Others swear by throwing lentils into the street at midnight to bring prosperity.
Looking for love: This tradition holds that if you welcome the new year from under a table, the love of your life may arrive very soon. Will you try it?
For traveling to new destinations: Do you want to travel in 2026? Try stepping outside at midnight with an empty suitcase and walking at least 3 laps, and they say that will bring the trip of your dreams.
Toasting with poetry: just after midnight, it was common to hear "El Brindis del Bohemio" on the radio, a traditional poem that tells a melancholy scene familiar to many. Today, many families still listen to the toast in the voice of Braulio Castillo, but through digital platforms.
This content was translated with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
