Puerto Ricans like to celebrate a traditional Thankgiving dinner.    The turkey is prepared by inserting cloves of garlic into the flesh of the turkey and rubbing plenty of “adobo” spice all over the inside and outside.  Roasted turkey is served with arroz con gandules (rice with pidgeon peas), potato salad, and, of course, flan for dessert.   Buy the best  in Vieques at Yvonne’s house – third house west of malecon on the ocean side (flavors: plain, coconut, cheese, pumpkin – not easy to choose).  This day marks the official beginning of the Christmas season.  House lights are strung on many homes and the  parandas  can show up at your home at anytime (musicians who will serenade you as you welcome them to food and drink).

As we spend time with our family and friends during this holiday, let’s visualize a peaceful, harmonious world.  We should remember that this day is observed as a day of sorrow rather than a celebration by many Native Americans. Let’s commit to respecting all the world’s different cultures.  

PEACE, PAZ, SHALOM.