BETHLEHEM, Pa. — "Saludo, Saludo" the singer said as the bandmates and dancers joined in the chorus. "Vengo a saludar," or "I come to greet you," they continued, spreading Christmas cheer.
The Navidad song was part of Hispanic Center Lehigh Valley's Parranda celebration — a festive tradition in Puerto Rico that often includes the island's version of Christmas caroling.
It typically begins in November and runs through January leading up to Dia de los Reyes, or Three Kings' Day.
The parranda, held on Friday at the Southside center on Fourth Street, also included visitors from the North Pole who gave gifts to eager and cheerful boys and girls.
Talento Local
Dressed in Santa-inspired suits, with matching red jingle bells fitted on their ankles, members of Talento Local, a group of seniors from the Hispanic Center, proudly belted out Christmas aguinaldos.
Sure, there were no palm trees or warm breeze (instead the 30-degree temperatures forced the festival indoors). Still, the group kept up with the festive tradition of parrandas — a time when people in the island go door-to-door surprising neighbors with song (the sharing of food, drink and music continues well into the evening).
"This is a time for us to unite, come together around this holiday season, and the parranda is really bringing your neighbors in one spot and feeling the joy of the holiday season," said Raymond Santiago, executive director of the Hispanic Center Lehigh Valley.
Although his parents are from Puerto Rico, Santiago, who grew up in Bethlehem, had never participated in the island's Christmastime event.
"My first experience with the parranda was actually when I met my wife. She was born in Puerto Rico, her family then moved here, so when I would go over to the first Christmas with them, we sang a bunch of the parrandas, so I got to do it for the first time."
In 2023, he and the center's staff organized their first parranda and asked members from Talento Local to participate.
The group was more than happy to oblige, and as evident on Friday night, knew most of songs' lyrics by heart.
Even Christmas City's Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus nodded and tapped their feet, and the Grinch managed to crack a smile.
After Talento Local wrapped up their song and dance, staff and volunteers from the Hispanic Center handed out gifts to hundreds of children.
The gift-giving was a partnership with Community Action Lehigh Valley.
Unwrapped and wrapped presents were donated by companies in the area including Walmart and Wind Creek Bethlehem.
Mayor J. William Reynolds also rallied the community to help.
"Mayor Reynolds hosted his holiday party yesterday and he asked people to bring gifts, so BSI Corporate Benefits also donated a big portion and then everyone else who attended the holiday party," said Barbara Kochard, associate executive director of development for Community Action Lehigh Valley.
"I think this event means a lot to the families. A lot of the kids are from local elementary schools and it's nice to provide to families who may not necessarily be able to buy huge gifts for their kids this year."
