Carnaval de Vejigantes
Annual celebration held in Ponce, Puerto Rico / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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The Carnaval de Vejigantes, officially Carnaval de Vejigantes de La Playa de Ponce,[4] is an annual celebration held at Barrio Playa in Ponce, Puerto Rico. The celebration, which commonly lasts three to five days,[5] generally takes place in late January or early February.[6] It started in 1991.[7] It takes place at Parque Lucy Grillasca on PR-585 in Barrio Playa.[8] The parade, one of the highlights of the carnival, usually takes off from Cancha Salvador Dijols on Avenida Hostos (PR-123) and ends at Parque Lucy Grillasca (PR-585).[9] Attendance is estimated at over 15,000 people.[10] It is attended by people from all over Puerto Rico, and some attendees are from as far as the United States.[11] It is organized and operated by a community, civic, NGO group, not by any government or government agency.[12]
Carnaval de Vejigantes | |
---|---|
Official name | Carnaval de Vejigantes de La Playa de Ponce |
Also called | Carnaval de La Playa, Carnaval de Vejigantes |
Type | Local, cultural |
Celebrations | Parade, dancing, food, parties |
Date | Weeks leading to Ash Wednesday |
2023 date | 3-5 Feb[1] |
2024 date | 2-4 February[2] |
Frequency | Annual |
First time | 1991[3] |
Related to | Lent |
This carnival is different from many other carnivals in that attendees are not mere spectators, but people who are encouraged to take part in the carnival. The public is actually encouraged to come with their panderos, vejigante masks, güiros and maracas and participate ad hoc.[13] The carnival has been called the "antesala" (gateway) to lent and to the Ponce Carnival: "This carnaval is not a fiesta patronal nor a festival. It's a town party and its essence lies in a public that participates."[14] It aims to strengthen family bonds, create long-lasting memories, share together as a community, and keep local traditions alive.[15]
The Carnival brings together some 1,200 artists, including some 10 music bands, groups of vejigantes with over 40 people each, over 100 masked vejigantes, choreographed dancers, plus the thousands of locals who join in. This carnival has been described as a "townspeople feast of controlled chaos."[16] Besides music, dance and food, the carnivals also features amusement rides, artisans, cheerleaders, jugglers, and arts and crafts, among other attractions.[17] There are also workshops for children on how to make vejigante masks.[18][19]