Navidad may be over on the calendar, but in Puerto Rico, it's far from over!
There's still lechón to savor, chilled coquito to raise in a toast, and more evenings to spend beneath glowing plaza lights. Browse handmade gifts from local artisans at the SanSe, the last festival of the season, and join in one more aguinaldo.
After Día de Reyes (Three Kings Day), the holiday spirit carries into January with las Octavitas.
There's always a place to dance Salsa.
Quick Guide to Las Octavitas
- What las Octavitas celebrate: An eight-day extension of Christmas after Día de Reyes, keeping the season alive with gathering, music and more festive traditions.
- When are las Octavitas: Typically January 7-14, immediately after Three Kings Day on January 6.
- What does the name mean: Octavitas comes from the word octava, meaning "eight".
- How the tradition began: Las Octavitas' roots lie in Catholic octavas, which extended major religious feasts over eight days. In Puerto Rico, these observances evolved into a cultural tradition that blends faith with holiday rivalry.
- What to expect: Traditional Christmas songs called aguinaldos, gathering filled with music, and parrandas, surpise holiday caroling visits to the homes of friends and relatives.
- How to experience las Octavitas: Enjoy public holiday performances and events at local plazas with glowing Christmas lights. Don't miss la SanSe, the unofficial finale of Navidad in the Island.
A sweet way to keep celebrating the holidays? Cool off with a refreshing piragua during your visit to Puerto Rico.
What are las Octavitas?
Las Octavitas extend the Christmas season beyond Día de Reyes, on January 6. Rooted in religious celebrations honoring Jesus and Three Kings through song, the tradition gives the season more time for gatherings, music, and Boricua holiday cheer.
The meaning behind las Octavitas
Octavitas means "the little eights". The name comes from the Catholic tradition of celebrating major religious holidays for eight days, a period called an octava. Historically, Octavitas referred to an additional eight days after the octavas. Today, the term is also used more broadly for the Island's extended Christmas festivities after Three Kings Day.
What to Do During Las Octavitas
Taste pernil, unwrap a pastel, and finish with cinnamon-topped tembleque. For a roast-pork feast, take a drive to the lechoneras of Guavate in Cayey.
Explore the Pork Routes
Keep the holiday spirit going with concerts, artisan markets, and plaza celebrations. Find a holiday event during your stay!
Browse Holiday Events
Discover the Three Kings tradition! See them at local events or learn more about Juana Díaz´s Casa Museo de los Santos Reyes.
Follow the Magic
Browse artisan markets, don´t miss the cabezudos parades through Old San Juan and celebrate the end of Navidad.
Keep the Fiesta GoingFrequently Asked Questions about las Octavitas
What are las Octavitas in Puerto Rico?
Las Octavitas extend Puerto Rico's Christmas season after Three Kings Day with holiday gatherings, music, traditional food, and parrandas. The tradition has religious roots in celebrations honoring Jesus and the Three Kings.
When are las Octavitas celebrated?
Las Octavitas are commonly celebrated during the eight days after Three Kings Day, from January 7-14. Some events may have different schedules, so check our Events Calendar to start planning your visit.
What does "Octavitas" mean?
Octavitas means "the little eights." The name comes octava, an eight-day religious observance. It refers to the additional eight days after the Octavas. Today, the term also describes the continued Boricua Christmas celebrations after Reyes.
Are las Octavitas and la Sanse the same celebration?
No! Las Octavitas continue the Christmas season after Three Kings Day. The Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián, also known as la SanSe, is a separate festival in Old San Juan in January, widely considered the holiday season's unofficial finale.
