Vejigante Masks from Loíza Aldea
by Raul Ayala

The Vejigante masks are traditionally made for the Fiestas de Santiago Apóstol (Saint James Festivals). The Vejigante symbolizes the Moslems that Saint James fought with in Spain. The Vejigantes costume consists of a large overall with wide sleeves that once you open your arms, simulates wings. The fabric used is of bright colors.

The most important part of the costume is the mask, which is made of coconut shell. Two cuts are made to the cococut fruit, the hard nut at its center is taken out with some of the interior cortex. This will leave a big enough space for the human face to fit it. According to the individual shape of each coconut a grotesque face will be carved with prominent nose and lips. The mouth has teeth made out of bamboo and a tongue made out of coconut shell. The Vejigante's mask is the most prominent craft piece of art in Loíza, which has a long history of traditional Afro-Puerto Rican art.

Another of the traditional Loíza masks is the Caballero mask. This character ries to recreate the traditional dress of the Spaniards knights at the time of Saint James. These masks are associated with the Saint and symbolizes the fight between Chrisitans and Pagans.

The costume consist of shirt and pants both made out of bright colored fabrics. Three colors are prominent in all the pieces: red, yellow and green. A cape, which has been decorated with crystals and tinsels is used over the shirt. A straw hat with four tips adorned with ribbons and flowers is also used.

The most prominent feature is the mask made of wire and contoured to simulate a Spaniards face. The traditional Santiago Apóstol Fiestas are held in Loíza for ten days from which the most important and colorful are the 26th, 27th, and 28th of July.

Raúl Ayala is a master Vejigante and Caballero mask making artisan. It was his father Don Castor Ayala Fuentes who passed down this Puerto Rican tradition. Next time you are in Puerto Rico, make sure to visit Raúl Ayala at his artshop:

Artesanías Castor Ayala
Barrio Medianía Alta, Carr. 187 Km.6 Hm.6
rayala@caribe.net