“The Coquito has a rich tradition in Puerto Rico and is an important part of the holiday season, from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day. Cherished recipes are unique to each family and those recipes are proudly handed down generation to generation.”

Chris Dehlavi

Coquito (small coconut) is a rich, creamy coconut-based holiday drink with Puerto Rican origins. It is generally made with coconut milk, coconut cream, sweet condensed milk, rum, cinnamon, vanilla and cloves. The National Coquito Festival, in keeping with the mission of PRAA, was established in 2018 as a fundraising event for PRAA to promote and preserve the heritage of this iconic drink – and to draw people together during the holiday season in order to continue to nurture pride in our culture and traditions.

This celebratory holiday festival features traditional food, music and Parandas – with the main event being a coquito competition to find the best Coquito. Most Puerto Rican families have a treasured coquito recipe and they will boast that their Coquito is the best! This event gives volunteers an opportunity to showcase their family recipe in hopes of winning the contest and having official bragging rights for one entire year.

2020 is a… Virtual Holiday Celebration

Due to the circumstances of COVID-19 this year’s Coquito Festival will be a virtual event. It will include Coquito Makers who represent local Puerto Rican Restaurants. They will tell the story of their family holiday traditions and Coquito Recipe. With each ticket purchase, a Coquito gift bag will be available for pick up from PRAA Center (3000 N. Elbridge Ave., Chicago, IL 60618) during designated times. An email will be sent to you regarding dates and pick-up times. Gift bags are available on a first come first served basis. Delivery or shipping of gift bags is not included.

Each gift bag will include a Coquito recipe, (1) shot glass, (1) face mask, and basic Coquito making ingredients. Rum and additional ingredients of preference will need to be purchased by the attendee(s).

There will be Coquito making and storytelling, musical guests, a toast (Cheers!) and Parranda. While elements of an in person event will not be possible, it is our goal to provide a virtual experience that will be filled with holiday traditions and engage people in celebrating Puerto Rico’s holiday drink the “Coquito.”

2020 Committee
Emma Ortiz, Sandra Hernandez, Minerva Hernandez, Alberto Fret & Nancy Ward

Featured Restaurants & Special Guests

For more information Click on the Images

Featured 2020 Music Artists