Aguinaldo (canción navideña)
A Puerto Rican Christmas song, played on cuatro, güiro and frame drums, sung house to house during parrandas. It is nothing like a European carol: it is faster, more rhythmic and its lyrics often ask outright for food and drink. The season starts early, because the island's Christmas begins in November and does not end until the octavitas in January.
Example
An aguinaldo sung properly at someone's door ends with the door open and the table set.
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Frequently asked questions
Is it the same as a carol?
It fills the same role as a Christmas song, but the rhythm, instruments and lyrics are the island's own.
When does the season start?
In November, and it runs into January. It is one of the longest Christmas seasons anywhere.
