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The vejigante is a demon figure from medieval Spanish folklore that has become a staple of Puerto Rican Carnival culture. During Carnival festivals, the vejigante dress in a horned mask called a careta, and flowing costume to join the crowds in singing and dancing. The careta masks are a cultural symbol of Puerto Rico.
- Where do vejigantes originate or come from?
- What does vejigantes mean in English?
- What are vejigantes made from?
- What three cultures are blended in the vejigante?
- What is vejigantes in Puerto Rico?
- What was the original name given by C Columbus to Puerto Rico?
- What is the national sport of Puerto Rico?
- How are carnivals celebrated in Puerto Rico?
- What two events in Puerto Rico are these vejigante present at?
- What are the origins of bomba?
- What animal is considered to be the national mascot of Puerto Rico?
- What origin does bomba music have?
- What is the deal with the vejigantes?
- What is the vejigante legend?
Where do vejigantes originate or come from?
The origins of the tradition go back to 12th century medieval Spain. The vejigante represented the evil Moors who were defeated by St. James. People dressed as demons (vejigantes) in a procession thrown to honor St.
What does vejigantes mean in English?
The vejigantes represent either the devil in the battle between good and evil, or the Moors that Saint James fought during the Catholic Reconquista of Spain. The name originates from the Spanish word for bladder, vejiga.
What are vejigantes made from?
In Loíza, the vejigante masks are made from coconut, whose cortex has been carved out to allow a human face. The eyes and mouth are carved out of the coconut with an addition of bamboo teeth. The costume is made of "a jumper" that has a lot of extra fabric at the arms to simulate wings.
What three cultures are blended in the vejigante?
The Vejigante (Vay-he-GAHN-tay) is a fantastic, colorful character introduced into carnival celebrations in Puerto Rico hundreds of years ago. He is a classic example of the blending of African, Spanish, and Caribbean influences in Puerto Rican culture.
What is vejigantes in Puerto Rico?
The vejigante is a demon figure from medieval Spanish folklore that has become a staple of Puerto Rican Carnival culture. During Carnival festivals, the vejigante dress in a horned mask called a careta, and flowing costume to join the crowds in singing and dancing. The careta masks are a cultural symbol of Puerto Rico.
What was the original name given by C Columbus to Puerto Rico?
European Arrival. Christopher Columbus arrived in Puerto Rico in 1493 during his second voyage to the New World. Initially, Columbus christened the Island as San Juan Bautista (St. John the Baptist).
What is the national sport of Puerto Rico?
Cockfighting and horseracing hark back to the island's Spanish roots, and remain important elements of island culture. Puerto Rico's national sport is baseball, and the island has produced some of the US mainland's greatest ever stars, including Roberto Clemente.
How are carnivals celebrated in Puerto Rico?
People in Ponce, Puerto Rico, have been celebrating Carnival for over 250 years! Each year the Carnival lasts the whole month of February with parades, music, and special events. The Carnival is a special celebration before the Christian season of Lent, the six weeks before Easter.
What two events in Puerto Rico are these vejigante present at?
Two variations exist in Puerto Rico: the Vejigante of pre-Lenten Carnival in Ponce, on the south coast, with its paper-maché mask, and the Vejigante of the Fiestas of Santiago Apóstol (St.
What are the origins of bomba?
Bomba dates back to the beginning of the Spanish colonial period (1493–1898). The practice was developed by West African enslaved people and their descendants, who worked in sugar plantations along the coast of Puerto Rico (Ferreras, 2005).
What animal is considered to be the national mascot of Puerto Rico?
Here's Why The Coquí Frog is the Symbol of Puerto Rico.
What origin does bomba music have?
Bomba is both a traditional dance and musical style of Puerto Rico. Its origins are rooted in the island's history of African slavery but today has evolved into a community expression of Puerto Rican culture.
What is the deal with the vejigantes?
In this festival, the vejigantes are accompanied by people dressed as caballeros (knights) in recognition to the Spanish origins of the festival where they celebrate the Christian Castilians' ouster of the Muslim Moors from Spain. Some interpret the festival as a metaphor for the eternal battle between good and evil.
What is the vejigante legend?
The vejigante is a folkloric figure who's origins trace back to medieval Spain. The legend goes that the vejigante represented the infidel Moors who were defeated in a battle led by Saint James. To honor the saint, the people dressed as demons took to the street in an annual procession.
