The Island of Puerto Rico is a place that allows you to forget the frigid temperatures back home in the Midwest. The sun, beach, and climate gives me another reason to smile and is a reminder to enjoy life, just because. Moreover, the extended holiday season here is the true embodiment of social capital.
Typically the holiday season is a time when family and friends are able to gather together, usually centered around religious beliefs, but also in the name of unity, culture, and a much-needed break from the day-to-day grind we endure during the rest of the year. As soon as our group touched down in Puerto Rico, we learned that the Island is in a time of celebration from the day after Thanksgiving until about January 17th for the San Sebastian festival. Therefore it is normal to hear “felicidades” well after Christmas day.
Today the Island celebrates Dia de Reyes (Three Kings Day), a holiday considered even grander than Christmas itself. Kids will wake up to gifts under their beds inside of shoeboxes filled with grass, which is symbolic of the gifts the Three Kings traveled on camel to give baby Jesus. Also families and communities will gather in plazas all over the island to celebrate. Lastly it is another day off from work or school that could be spent relaxing or reflecting.
Although a select few of us did not have any plans for our day off to commemorate Dia de Reyes, we spent the day lounging around, honestly it was a treat not having to wake up to the sound of roosters or an alarm set to six am. Later on in the afternoon, three of us decided to take a stroll outside of Aquatika’s gates and into the community of Loiza. Initially we were in search of an open Supermercado to find the ingredients to make more arroz con gandules, which we learned how to make a couple of days prior. To no avail, there were no nearby stores to get the ingredients. However to our surprise, we heard some tambourines and drumming close by. Suddenly about ten children dressed in nativity scene costumes such as angels and shepherds, turned the corner onto the street where we were walking. Behind the kids were the rest of the parade goers dressed in costumes, playing more instruments and singing. One of the ‘Three Kings’ walked up to us with a bright smile and graciously gave us all wrapped baggies full of candy. As the parade continued up the street, I was overjoyed by witnessing this parade of people, both young and old, come together continuing their community traditions. At that moment, I knew that this is what the holiday season should be all about—family, friends, community, unity and love.
In the States we can stand to learn a thing or two about holiday celebrations from Puerto Rico, such as how everyday should be cherished and celebrated. Moreover it is my hope that around this same time next year, I will be back in Puerto Rico celebrating the holiday season with those I love and hold dearest to my heart.