New Year’s Day in Puerto Rico ― Date, History, and Details
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Let's dive deeper into learning more about the history of New Year’s Day in Puerto Rico and why people celebrate or observe it.
History of New Year’s Day in Puerto Rico and How to Celebrate/ Observe It
Puerto Rico celebrates the New Year with a bang! Fireworks, food, and music are all part of the festivities. The celebration officially starts at midnight on December 31st, but the party usually lasts well into the early morning hours of January 1st.
Most Puerto Ricans start the New Year by attending a church service. This is followed by a huge feast, which typically includes dishes like lechón (roast pork), arroz con gandules (rice and beans), and pasteles (stuffed cornmeal pies). Of course, no Puerto Rican feast would be complete without a few bottles of Puerto Rican rum!
After the feast, it’s time to party! Music and dancing are a big part of Puerto Rican culture, so it’s no surprise that they are also integral parts of the New Year’s celebration. Popular genres of music played during this time include salsa, reggaeton, and Bachata.
As midnight approaches, Puerto Ricans head outside to enjoy the fireworks. Many people also gather around Plaza Las Americas, the largest shopping mall in the Caribbean, to watch the spectacular fireworks display that takes place there.
Once the clock strikes midnight, it’s time to toast the New Year with a glass of sparkling wine or champagne. Puerto Ricans then share a traditional New Year’s Eve kiss with their loved ones. After that, it’s just non-stop partying until the sun comes up!