Christmas in Puerto Rico

Christmas is the biggest festival for Christians, marking the birth of Jesus Christ. As a result, it is one of the most celebrated festivals on the island thanks to its predominantly Roman Catholic population.

On the eve of Christmas, known locally as Nochebuena, family and friends gather to mark the day with a traditional feast. They also exchange gifts and visit the neighboring decorations. Another important tradition is parrandas, where people gather in the streets to sing Christmas carols to mark the occasion.

At midnight on Christmas Day, most churches hold services for the local community called the Misa de Gallo. The most common attraction of the service is the re-enactment of the scene of the Nativity, which depicts the birth of Jesus and the events surrounding it.

The menu on Christmas Day is a special one, with most households making lechon asado and pasteles to mark the occasion. Coquito, a coconut based drink and tembleque, a coconut based sweet serve as the desserts to celebrate the festivities.