Vejigante
The masked character of Puerto Rican festivals, in a bright costume with many horns and an inflated bladder used to playfully chase the crowd. He appears at the Ponce carnival and at the Santiago Apóstol festival in Loíza, with different masks in each place. His origin mixes the devil of Spanish processions with the African heritage of the coast.
Example
If a vejigante comes at you with the bladder in hand, that is the game and the answer is to play along.
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Related terms
Crafts
Careta de vejigante
The mask of the vejigante character, horned and painted in strong colors. In Ponce it is made of papier mâché with...
Festivals
Carnaval de Ponce
The historic carnival of Ponce, on the south coast, held in the days before Ash Wednesday. Its central figure is the...
Festivals
Fiestas de Santiago Apóstol
The festival of Loíza, on the north coast, held in late July and regarded as the liveliest expression of Afro Puerto...
Culture
Bomba (música y baile)
An Afro Puerto Rican genre of drum, song and dance born among enslaved communities on the coast. What makes it...
Frequently asked questions
Is it the same in Ponce and Loíza?
The character is, the mask is not. Ponce uses papier mâché with many horns and Loíza carves coconut husk.
Is it frightening for children?
The intent is theatrical rather than aggressive. The bladder makes noise but the hit is symbolic and part of the party.
