A Puerto Rican Christmas with Connecticut's Representative Edwin Vargas

CT Representative Edwin Vargas (D) and his wife Silvia Vargas

In a Boceto Media interview at the Connecticut State Capitol, representative Edwin Vargas (D) and his wife Silvia Vargas, shared memories of their Christmas celebrations throughout the years. Puerto Ricans have a unique way to celebrate Christmas in the island, and they brought up their culture to Connecticut to continue with their work to keep the holidays traditions alive.  

Puerto Rican Christmas

Representative Vargas, how are you celebrating christmas?

Rep. Vargas: We were in Puerto Rico early in December and visited the countryside were you can really feel the Christmas festivities. We attended the Andres Jimenez “El Jibaro” concert; it was a life event in the town of "Barranquitas". Then, we went to visit my Silvia's father’s hometown “Comerio”; we also visited my dad’s hometown “Ahi Bonito”; and “Maonabo” where my wife’s mom was born.

We had the chance to eat “Arroz con jueyes” in a restaurant called "Paisajes Curet” which is located right next in the shore line.  We anticipated Christmas with the best vibes, and I want to wish all the community a happy holidays.

Parranda boricua

How do Puerto Ricans celebrate Christmas?

We celebrate it with lots of food, such as pasteles, “Coquito” our traditional drink which is made out of coconut milk, rum, cinnamon, it’s so delicious . For dessert, we eat turrón which has origins from Alicante-Spain. We eat pork and much more. We add on our folklore music, specially the "Jibaro" type. People start the “Parrandas” with music, and that is when the community gathers and visits each house in the neighborhood to celebrate. Throughout the celebration, the "Parranda" grows to 50 or 100 people. When people visit each other’s houses they have food, but since many people come to join sometimes the food does not last until the next morning so it’s kind of funny. Not every home can feed as many people, but still they celebrate and is all about having fun. 
January 5th is Three Kings eve, the children put chaff under their pillows and then “supposedly” the Three Kings bring a present under their beds. 

The Three Kings visit Puerto Rico 

Which Christmas brings you yearning? 

I always remember when my two children Eric and Daniel were little. They had a great enthusiasm during the Christmas season, and their mood was contagious. I particularly remember one Christmas because Daniel wanted a remote toy car, and Eric wanted a guitar. I remember very well that Christmas. I even videotaped it. They were around 8 to 9 years all.

Mrs. Vargas, did you children have an especial request for their Christmas. Perhaps, a Christmas theme breakfast when they were little?

Every year is about the food, the music, but essentially family is what brings the meaning of Christmas. We sit together to share moments, to read old stories and poetry,  that is part of our family tradition. I remember my late uncle Pablo use to recite poetry, and that kept the tradition alive. When our family comes from Puerto Rico to visit, we share our traditions with them. Back in the day, we couldn’t find plantain leaves in Connecticut to make pasteles, so we had use aluminum foil to wrap up the pasteles. However, since the Hispanic community has grown in the last years, I am happy that I can find plantain leaves everywhere. 

Representative Edwin Vargas (D) CT Capitol building

Rep: What would you tell to the community that migrated to the US and that misses their family in their home countries; or perhaps those who are heartbroken?

Sometimes, Christmas brings sadness because we remember those who are no longer with us for whatever reason. If you are far away from your home country, I will tell you to call your relatives; if you have children have them talk over the phone with your family, that is something that fill of joy the ones that are a little bit older. Children always bring happiness. To keep the tradition is the most important specially within the family. For instance, in 1977, I had the opportunity to lead a movement to make the Hartford Public Schools give the day off to the children on Three Kings day.  Then, the movement extended to Bridgeport, New Haven and other cities.  The SAMA association in Park Street had the initiative to give presents to the children, and they have been doing it with consistency. So, in Three Kings day, the Hartford children go to SAMA in 95 Park Street, and they march in caravan with the kings, camels and the community all the way to Pope Stree to the Samuel Arroyo Recreational Center to receive toys. I am proud that we started this movement with parents, and we are glad that we were able to bring a Puerto Rican tradition to Connecticut.

Mrs. Vargas, what is Rep Vargas favorite holiday food?
Pork pasteles (she smiles).

Rep vargas:  Not only that, I love pork skin, it’s what we call "chicharron", I like it very toasted and salty. All Puerto Ricans love "El Cuerito".

What are your holiday wishes for the Boceto Media community?

Christmas is a time for peace, and unity so that people can take the values of the greatest dogmas as Christianity. That is the golden rule. So please treat your neighbor as you would like to be treated. That is the true Christmas spirit. It’s not about receiving but giving. Do not expect anything in return, just share happiness. Merry Christmas, Happy New Year’s and Happy Three Kings day to everybody who likes to watch Boceto Media’s content. 

Mrs Vargas: I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year’s.

Interview to Rep. Edwin Vargas (D) - spanish

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