History of the Vejigante Mask

Vejigante

The vejigante (vey-hee-GANT-eh)is a mischievous character that stars in the Carnivals of Puerto Rico. Traditionally he wears a papier mache mask and a colorful robe. Masks of Ponce, in addition to being very well crafted, are some of the most wildly artistic masks in the world.

History

Apostle James and the Muslims

• There are lots of traditions regarding the history of the Vejigante Masks.  One Christian tradition holds that James the Apostle miraculously appeared before the Catholic army in Spain during the 11th century. He took an active part in the war between the Spanish Catholics and the Moors, and as the commander of the Catholic forces, he was able to lead a significant victory over the Spanish Moors. It is this battle that serves as the background for the Festivals of St. James and the traditions of the vejigante masks.The vejigante masks, along with brightly colored costumes, are representations of the Spanish Moors. They are generally made in bright colors like red or yellow, the colors of the Spanish flag.

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