San Juan de la Rambla Teaches Kids 'Los Santitos,' 'Pan por Dios'
San Juan de la Rambla Town Council is engaging local children in a special week of activities to ensure the continuation of the "Los Santitos" and "Pan por Dios" traditions for November 1st.
The San Juan de la Rambla Town Council wants to make sure the traditions of "Los Santitos" and "Pan por Dios" continue with the town's children. The Playroom area, led by Councillor María García, has planned a special week for both the playrooms and the nursery school. All activities will focus on teaching the youngest residents about these local traditions for November 1st. This will help them understand the history and why it's important to keep these local customs alive as part of their identity.
At the La Saltarina Playroom in San Juan, older residents from the town will visit. They'll share stories and memories about "Los Santitos" with the children. There will also be workshops where kids can decorate the traditional baskets they'll use to collect treats on All Saints' Day morning.
Over at the La Estrella Contenta Playroom in San José, the focus will be on "Pan por Dios." Even though this tradition has mostly disappeared, the council believes it's important for children to learn what it was all about. During the week, they'll take a trip through the local shops to pretend to ask for "Pan por Dios."
The "Trompita" Nursery School will also take part, with children in different classrooms simulating the "Pan por Dios" tradition.
It's worth remembering that "Los Santitos" happens on All Saints' Day morning. The streets of the Old Town fill with children carrying wicker baskets. They collect gifts that neighbors have prepared the day before. In the past, these gifts were seasonal fruits, nuts, or small coins. Today, sweets are more common. This tradition has continued for centuries, passed down from one generation to the next.
"Pan por Dios" has had a different fate. While it has faded over time, some bakeries in the upper part of town still give out a special milk bread to their customers. This serves as a gift and a reminder of the past, when local families would go from house to house asking for "Pan por Dios," which could be fruits, vegetables, coins, or the bread itself.