Looking for a last minute getaway?
Puerto Ricans do the holidays like no one else
Amigos, since the Chef’s List and Longer Tables are now under one roof, I thought it would be a great time to share some travel ideas! Today I want to remind you that sometimes a last-minute trip is one of the best ways to celebrate the holidays—and because my mind is still on the Caribbean and their amazing holiday drinks, today I want to tell you why Puerto Rico is the perfect holiday vacation spot…no passport required!
Coquito and kremas, a taste of the Caribbean
We’re getting to the home stretch, people! I’m sure by now you’ve been to so many holiday parties, and you’ve been cooking, shopping, running around…you’re probably tired! Today’s recipes are meant to warm you from the inside out, and something to offer to friends and family who happen to stop by your house without telling you…does that ever happen to you?
Many of you know me from my time in Puerto Rico with World Central Kitchen when Hurricane María struck the island in 2017. But the truth is I’ve been visiting the island long before that…I love the sunshine, the beaches, the water, and especially the people. As much as I love the climate and nature of this island, there is nothing more beautiful than the community. The people of Puerto Rico are so welcoming, and so true to each other—there I have seen some of the most selfless, generous people of my life. Puerto Rico is America at its best, humanity at its best.
Oh yeah…and the food! The food is absolutely amazing…especially around the holidays—one of my favorite times to visit. Trust me, Puerto Ricans know how to do the holidays like no one else!
As soon as Thanksgiving’s over the festivities begin and they don’t stop until mid-January (so if Christmas is too close this year, you can still participate in most of the celebrations!). To mark the beginning of the holiday season, each town in Puerto Rico has an Encendido Navideño (Christmas Lighting) where the community will gather in front of the town hall and watch as the main public buildings light up in Christmas lights and Puerto Rican flags.
From there it’s a full 45 days worth of Christmas celebrations. Families and friends will come together late at night and go Christmas caroling, which are known as parrandas—a group of friends and musicians will knock on your door late at night and keep knocking until you wake up and open the door…and then the party gets started!
Of course you can visit Puerto Rico any time of the year, but after reading all of my recommendations, why wouldn’t you go for the holidays?!
Here are all my recommendations for San Juan and a bit further afield when you go to Puerto Rico. Even if you don’t rent a car, there are plenty of things to do in the capital of this island, especially during the holidays. But there are so many things to do around the whole island that you know this won’t be the last recommendation for Puerto Rico that you see from me…
If you know anything about me then you know that I’m passionate about Puerto Rico and its people. I believe that we should continue to support the people of Puerto Rico and one of the best ways you can do that is by visiting the island. So why wait? Visit now!
The List
La Casita Blanca
351 C. Tapia, San Juan, 00915, Puerto Rico