Posted on 12/06/2011 7:43:41 AM PST by cll
Puerto Rico has been picked by Forbes magazine as one of the world’s top Christmas destination, winning recognition for a marathon and spirited holiday season marked by good food and drink and warm weather.
“Who says you need scarves and snow to have a truly authentic Christmas?” Forbes reports. “Multi-colored lights look fantastic strung through palm trees, the coquito tastes a little like eggnog that’s mostly coconut, and a roasted, seasoned pork shoulder often muscles out turkey for center stage at a Puerto Rican Christmas table.
The well-known New York-based business publication worked with travel experts at Lonely Planet and Frommer’s travel guides to compile a list of holiday destinations that celebrate Christmas festivities unlike any other.
Puerto Rico ranks alongside expected top holiday spots such as New York City, Rome, Cologne and, of course, Santa Claus Village and Santa Park in Finland’s town of Napapiiri in the Artic Circle.
“It’s further from Santa’s home base and native climate, but Christmas in Puerto Rico gets going early in December, and after the 25th becomes an intense two-week affair filled with food, family and parties,” Forbes writes.
“Old San Juan makes a good base, but a relative’s or friend’s house is even better,” Forbes says.
Visitors should expect an offering of coquito, a rum and coconut-based drink that is similar to eggnog, that is “delicious and dangerous, depending on the family bartender.”
The magazine urges travelers not to miss seasonal Puerto Rican holiday food such as pasteles and pernil, a seasoned, baked pork shoulder that’s on almost every table.
“Shake off old sledding traditions and visit the surfer’s paradise of Rincón while you’re visiting warmer climes,” the magazine’s website says.
“The holiday season may get started earlier, and the buildup to the big day is similar to ours, but once the 25th rolls around, there are two weeks of family get togethers, parties, food, more parties, drinking, and one final family celebration on January 6, Three Kings Day.”
Wife and I used to visit Ixtapa after Christmas.
Not now, though...
I must heartily agree with Forbes on this.
My family and I have spent over 20 Christmas holidays in Puerto Rico.
We are Italian New Yorkers and what we did was to have a “normal” Christmas eve and day at home and fly down to PR on 12/26 for the next 8 days.
It was always a fabulous experience for us all. Not speaking Spanish isn’t a problem, as most Puerto Ricans speak English.
The weather, the food, music, sightseeing and most of all, the wonderful Puerto Ricans themselves. We were made to feel at home, as family. The people there are very friendly, warm and just plain nice.
There is nothing to compare to a New Year’s Eve in PR....Puerto Ricans know how to party and everyone is included. You may find yourself dancing with someone’s older uncle or even one f the waiters!
The Three Kings are all over PR and my kids got a chance to celebrate another culture.
And yes, Palm trees aglow with Christmas lights is something I will never forget. Shopping is terrific..so many outstanding shops.
All this and the fact that one has no fears about a government toppling or a overnight coup...
We loved it all. Oh, and forget Bicardi rum, the real rum treasure is Ron Barrilito...
Thank you Puerto Rico for many treasured memories.
COQUITO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
As much as the beaches of Vieques appeal to me, Viejo San Juan is my favorite place on the island. Made a great appearance as “San Marcos” in the movie “Bananas.”
Thank you for your kind words.
Culebra-—Jacques Cousteau himself said it has the BEST coral reef in the Caribbean.
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