Parranda @ Coqui Mexicano - A Puerto Rican Holiday Tradition Continues on the Mainland

Today at Coqui Mexicano, the community was treated to amazing fine Puerto Rican and Mexican cuisine with their first ever Parranda Navideña which is Puerto Rican Christmas Caroling.  Parrandas are composed of a bunch of locals who dance, sing and play traditional Puerto Rican bomba y plena christmas songs and the likes.  The food was absolutely amazing, the chicken mole, ropa vieja (shredded beef in a spicy tomato stew), fresh guacamole and gandules guisa'o (stewed pigeon peas) and on and on.

With Coqui Mexicano's live music tonight as well as PeaceLove's live Jazz on Fridays and Saturdays and even live music at local Mexican restaurants such as Xochimilco on the weekends, Melrose has a burgenoing musical scene that is still remains a hidden gem where locals can relax, eat and have some good ol' fun without having to travel too far.


Here's a big MelroseTHANK YOU to Coqui Mexicano for all their hard work and believing in our community or as they like to call it...La Comunidad!  Thanks for opening your kitchen tonight to the community and sharing the old traditions from Puerto Rico.  Coqui Mexicano is not only a place to eat but it is a true cultural pillar in the community for their great efforts to preserve traditions.

Danisha and Diego - The wonderful proprietors of Coqui Mexicano

Locals Bill Casari and Clarisel Gonzalez enjoying the music while having a lively discussion.

Danisha showing her traditional Puerto Rican dress to a patron which her aunt hand made for her.