Christmas, Navidad in Puerto Rico, extends far beyond Dec. 25.
The island proudly proclaims itself as having the “longest holiday season in the world,” according to the website Discover Puerto Rico.
The holiday festivities in Puerto Rico typically span around 45 days according to a source, starting right after Thanksgiving and continuing through the middle of January. This extended period allows for a rich and vibrant celebration of various traditions and events.
The Christmas season in Puerto Rico typically lasts around 45 days. (iStock)
After Christmas passes, the festivities go on in Puerto Rico.
One significant event during the holiday season in Puerto Rico is Three Kings Day on January 6th. This holiday holds great importance as it commemorates the visit of the Three Wise Men to Jesus after his birth. It is a day filled with cultural and religious significance for the people of Puerto Rico.
A cherished tradition on the eve of Three Kings Day involves children preparing a shoebox filled with grass. This grass is left out for the camels of the Three Kings to munch on while they make their visit. In return for this thoughtful gesture, the children will wake up to find gifts left behind for them.
For a particularly festive Three Kings Day, Juana Díaz is the place to go, as it hosts the largest celebration in Puerto Rico for the holiday. In Juana Díaz, there is an annual festival and parade in honor of Three Kings Day that brings together over 25,000 people every year, according to Discover Puerto Rico.
Gifts are primarily exchanged between loved ones on Christmas Eve in Puerto Rico. (iStock)
Then, eight days later is Octavitas, a post-holiday celebration where families get together and celebrate one last time for the season.
The end of the holiday season is marked with the San Sebastián Street Festival.
This festival, spanning over multiple days, takes place in Old San Juan, and is filled with live music, dancing, shopping and parades.
