While Halloween might not resonate with everyone, especially those from different cultural backgrounds, the arrival of October often brings a certain magic. For me, growing up in Puerto Rico, Halloween wasn’t a big tradition. Yet, as autumn leaves begin to turn, there’s one particular Spanish Song that always fills me with the spirit of the season.
This spanish song, titled “Cuando Llega El Mes De Octubre,” which translates to “When the Month of October Arrives,” is a beloved children’s tune from Puerto Rico, or at least, it’s one I fondly remember from my childhood there. It instantly transports me back to my fourth-grade Spanish class where singing was an integral and joyful part of our daily routine. Our teacher didn’t just limit us to seasonal melodies like “Cuando Llega El Mes De Octubre“; she also enriched our musical landscape with traditional spanish songs such as “Verde Luz” and “La Tierruca,” the latter being a personal favorite. Looking back, I deeply appreciate how she used music to instill in us a love for our native language, our vibrant culture, and our beautiful island of Puerto Rico. It’s a testament to the power of music education and cultural preservation through song.
Cuando Llega El Mes De Octubre tells a simple yet charming story from a child’s perspective. It’s about the excitement of October and getting ready to participate in a quintessential fall activity: picking pumpkins and carving them into Jack-o’-Lanterns. While not strictly a Halloween song in the traditional sense, it beautifully outlines the step-by-step process of creating a Jack-o-Lantern, a custom widely associated with the Halloween holiday. Interestingly, this specific tradition isn’t typically a part of childhood celebrations in Puerto Rico. In fact, the large pumpkins ideal for carving Jack-o-Lanterns are not native to the island’s climate. The song and Halloween-related activities are more of a reflection of the cultural influence of the United States on Puerto Rico, a consequence of their political relationship. Despite this, the song’s charm and autumnal theme transcend cultural boundaries.
Ultimately, “Cuando Llega El Mes De Octubre” is a delightful spanish song that can be enjoyed by children everywhere, whether they are Spanish speakers or not. It’s a wonderful way to introduce elements of Hispanic culture, learn some basic Spanish vocabulary related to autumn and pumpkins, and experience the universal joy of the fall season through music. It reminds us that even traditions adopted from elsewhere can be embraced and enjoyed, adding richness to our cultural tapestry.
