FELIZ NAVIDAD!

 

Today’s post is a collaborative storytelling of the Christmas season from YouthWorks Staff Becky Fuller, and community friends, Julio Gonzalez and Angelisse Gonzalez. Julio and Angelisse are friends from Arecibo, Puerto Rico and members of Sicomoro – a long standing service partner.  

 

For years, as I (Becky) have partnered with the Puerto Rican community. I have learned of their deep love for holidays, and especially celebration and had countless opportunities to participate in cultural festivities, days of celebrations in plazas, and for the first time this year, the beginning of the Christmas season. I have been told that there is nothing like Christmas in Puerto Rico, so after many invitations, I managed to escape the frigid cold of Minnesota, and to spend Thanksgiving and the first week of December with dear friends on the island, which allowed me to finally partake in the beauty of Christmas.

 

 

Christmas begins in Puerto Rico starting on Thanksgiving and lasts through the 8 days (octavitas) after Epiphany or Three Kings Day (January 6^th).  In San Juan, the Capitol, it lasts until the celebration of Calle San Sebastian (one of the largest celebrations on the island lasting from January 16-19).  I think that it’s the only place in the world that it lasts this long!” shared Angelisse. “We are a people who love parties and celebration, and love to spend that time with family and friends

 

Angelisse also shared, “One interesting difference between Christmas in the US and Christmas on the island is that for us, Three Kings is as important, if not more important than Christmas day itself.  On the eve of Epiphany, as kids we take a shoebox, fill it with grass, and place it under our beds.  This is similar to your tradition of leaving cookies for Santa. We want to make sure that the camels have food for their long journey to bring gifts to the newly born Christ.  In the morning, our shoe boxes usually have a few gifts in them.”

 

 

Julio shared, “Puerto Ricans expect with excitement the arrival of Christmas all year long.  For us Christmas brings a cool weather, brighter and more colorful skies and joy that you can see, hear, and feel through warm greetings, songs, lighting and decorations, and parrandas.”

Having the opportunity to be part of a parranda was maybe one of the best Christmas experiences I have ever had, and truly puts our Christmas caroling to shame. And while here in the states, more than likely all the noise created would warrant your neighbors to call the police, on the island, it is not only accepted, but warmly encouraged as a way to share the insurmountable joy of Christmas.

“Parrandas begin just after midnight. We travel from house to house, similar to Christmas caroling, but with a lot more excitement! When you arrive at the house, and the group is ready, everyone shouts “ASALTO!” waking the homeowner, we begin to sing Christmas songs with panderos (similar to a tambourine type drum) and any instruments that we can find. Once the homeowner invites us in, we eat and drink, and then travel to the next house. This often lasts until sunrise. It is assumed that at the last house they will give us Asopao food (typical Puerto Rican dishes at the Christmas season): Arroz con Gandules (Rice with Pigeon peas) Lechón asado (pig roast), Ensalada de papa (potato salad), Pasteles (similar to tamales made from green bananas or green plantains), Coquito (similar to eggnog), Tembleque (a coconut based custard), Majarete (dessert), and even Morcillas (blood sausage)!”

Angelisse

 

“Food is a big deal for us during this season. It is when abuelas (grandmothers), madres (mothers), and tias (aunts) bring out their culinary talents. Sharing food while having good conversations is the best way to remember those who are not with us anymore and all the good memories.” -Julio

 

While I was there, I was continually welcomed with typical Puerto Rican hospitality, and always offered a plethora of food.  Food on the island is incredibly flavorful, seasoned with rich spices, often including plantains (fried into tostones, or served ripe as amarillos), amazing rice dishes, a myriad of meats, and of course, all of the wonderful fried snacks (sorullos, bacalito, empanadillas, and mofongo!).

 

Not only are Puerto Ricans known for their love of celebrations and parties, but it is a culture full of sound, music and dance. Each city has a plaza, a square in the city’s center, always having a Catholic church and the government building. As I traveled from town to town throughout my time there, the island literally came alive, beginning around Thanksgiving and continuing throughout December with Encendidas, the lighting of gigantic Christmas decorations in towns throughout the island.  You literally can’t help but be caught up in the magic and joy of Christmas

 

 

“As well, schools, teachers and students present artistic pieces (songs, plays) to remember the true meaning of Christmas. The Nativity scene is very important for us and is displayed in schools, gardens, balconies, living rooms, and even shopping malls”

– Julio

 

There is a genuine love and passion, in the midst of the ever-growing consumerism of Christmas, to remember the true meaning, to remember Christ, born in the simplicity of a manger, to bring hope and restoration to a chaotic world. Puerto Ricans do a beautiful job filling their streets, their homes, and their days with reminders to celebrate the goodness of this season, to do so abundantly and joyfully, acknowledging all that God has done for us.

 

“Christmas is the best time to be in Puerto Rico!”

– Julio

 

We hope that in our sharing of this beautiful island’s rich traditions, months of celebrations, and contagious energy that you as well would be captivated by this season. That we all would take time in the midst of business to pause and reflect, and as these Boricuas have taught us, to truly celebrate this season, with enthusiasm, love, joy, and passion, for the life we have been given with the coming of our Lord.

 

ASALTO!