Each neighborhood fashions its own massive lantern through a collective effort, and all the lanterns are fastened together before Christmas.

Inside and outdoors, everything from paper lanterns and votive candles to massive candle pillars are lit for  Day of the Little Candles.

Women throw a shoe over their shoulders. If the shoe lands toward the door, they’ll be married soon if not they'll have to wait a year.

Families create an effigy of the devil and set it on fire. The government recently asked residents to cut back for environmental reasons.

For 10 days rumba dancers, conga groups, and other revelers fill the streets alongside colorful floats and fireworks-studded celebration.

Families place candles at the graves of loved ones or at special memorials to honor the deceased who are buried elsewhere.

Families adorn trees with spiderwebs to celbrate a folktale about a family who couldn’t afford decorations for their tree.

Catholics still fast before Christmas. After midnight Mass, the fast is broken with the Consoada feast. The official beginning of Christmas