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Christmas Eve, or "Nochebuena," is one of the most important family celebrations in Puerto Rico. Its roots are deeply intertwined with the island's Catholic heritage, although it has also incorporated a variety of indigenous and African elements over time.
Midnight Mass: Many Puerto Ricans attend "Misa de Gallo" (Rooster's Mass) at midnight, signifying the end of the advent and the arrival of Christmas.
Festive Meals: Families gather for a grand feast on Christmas Eve. Traditional dishes include "lechón asado" (roasted pork), "arroz con gandules" (rice with pigeon peas), "pasteles" (similar to tamales), and "coquito" (a coconut-based beverage similar to eggnog).
Parrandas: These are traditional caroling groups that go from house to house, singing festive songs called "aguinaldos." The parrandas often start late in the evening and continue into the early hours of Christmas Day.
Gift Exchange: While gifts are commonly exchanged, emphasis is placed more on spending time with family and friends rather than on material presents.
Music and Dance: Music plays an integral role, with genres like salsa, bomba, plena, and aguinaldos setting the festive mood. Dancing and celebration continue through the night.
On Christmas Eve in Puerto Rico, people typically spend time preparing food, decorating their homes with lights and tropical flowers, attending church services, enjoying meals with loved ones, participating in parrandas, exchanging gifts, and celebrating into the early hours of Christmas Day. It's a time for joyous reunions and sharing traditions that have shaped Puerto Rican culture for generations.