Why does Puerto Rico celebrate Christmas?

why? 1. The large mayority of PR's population are christians (protestants, catholics, others). Christmas is a christian festivity. It is simple logic. 2. Besides, non believers (in PR, USA and many other places) also celebrate Christmas removing the real meaning of Christmas and replacing it with other stuff like Santa Claus, flying reindeers, including one with a red glowing nose, toy making elves, etc. Where? 1. In our homes with family and friends. 2. In churches we got special services with dramas, concerts, and other special events. 3. Schools and workplaces are also decorated and celebrations / parties are ussually held for students or employees. Practically everywhere in PR christmas is celebrated. How long? Christmass season starts the day after Thanksgiving and ends by the middle of January. Of course the special dates are: * December 24: "Nochebuena" (literaly Good Night), which is the night traditionally(a) is tought that Joseph & Mary (still pregnant with Jesus) reached Bethlehem and looked for a place to stay but no place was found and had to spend the night at a humble manger. * December 25: Christmas Day: traditionally(a) the day Jesus was born. * January 5: Night before Epiphany or the visit of the 3 Maggi or 3 wise Men, known in spanish as the three "Reyes Magos" (Kings-Maggi). * January 6: Three Kings (or Maggi, or Wise Men) Day (Día de Reyes) Celebration of the arrival of the 3 Wise Men who brought presents to Jesus. We also celebrate the "Octavitas" a period of eight days after January 6 where people visit friends during the late night (by surprise) and throw a short party with music, songs, food. Ussually the visited family joins the group and go to other houses to surpise other friends and continue the party. This is called "parrandas" and are celebrated through all the season but specially starting near Dec 24 and continued past January 6. --- Also the end of the year and the start of the next year ocurrs during the season: Dec 31: Año Viejo (Old Year) Last day of the year. Jan 1: New Year Meaning? The meaning of Christmas is a celebration that God loved the world, no matter the sinfull state we were (and still are) and He sent His beloved son Jesus to be born as a man and to die instead of us to pay for our sins and saves from the condenation we deserved. We do not know the exact day of the year Jesus was born, but traditionally the date of December 24-25 has been celebrated for centuries as Jesus birthday. (Discussion about why Dec 24/25 is not the real date is matter of another question). For non believers christmas is a time to celebrate joy and love by exchanging gifts, etc. Food: Traditional diner for Christmas Eve (and any special party during the season) is: Basic entree: Rice with pidgeon beans, served with roasted pork Other complements: guineitos en escabeche (green bananas in pickled sauce), morcillas (blood/rice sausage), pasteles, gandinga, many others. desserts: arroz con dulce (rice pudding), tembleque (coconut pudding)

Puerto Rico is a heavily Catholic country is why........

why do atheists celebrate christmas? because its no longer a christian holiday...