Everything You Need to Know About The Ponce Carnival
By Zain Deane, About.com Guide
What It Is:
The Ponce Carnival is Puerto Rico's Caribbean shout-out to
Mardi Gras and its more famous cousin in Rio de Janeiro. A
festival that has been held for over 200 years, it's the epitome
of all things boricua, and an annual testament to Puerto
Ricans' capacity for whimsy and revelry.
When and Where:
The carnival dominates the historic downtown area in the city of Ponce. The celebration takes place
in February, in the days leading up to Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent.
What's the Deal With the Vejigantes?:
The vejigantes are the undisputed stars of this show, but what, exactly, are they? In a word, they're
demons. More to the point, the vejigante is a figure straight out of a centuries-old folklore that blends
African, Spanish, and Caribbean cultures. The name originates from vejiga, which means "bladder" in
Spanish. I'll explain that in a bit.
How Does One Become a Vejigante?:
The traditional vejigante costume requires three basic components: mask,
cape, and suit. The mask is the most iconic and colorful of these
essentials, and even it has rules and regulations: I have yet to see a
vejigante mask without a conflagration of teeth and horns.
Symbolism of the Carnival:
Like Mardi Gras, the carnival has its roots in Catholicism. The vejigantes, armed with their vejigas
(inflated cow bladders), go around whacking children and other innocents, ostensibly to beat away
any evil spirits that are lingering around them. However, given that they are known to target attractive
women, these spiritual motives might be suspect.
The festival ends with the Entierro de la Sardina, or "Burial of the Sardine." This mock funeral,
complete with dummy-laden coffin, is in honor of the coming season of lent. Coffin and dummy are
set on fire, to symbolize the burning away of the sins of the flesh.
What To Expect:
In addition to marauding costumed vejigantes, expect a lot of traditional bomba y plena music, plenty
of eating and drinking, and a chanting, boisterous crowd. There is also a parade for the King and
Queen of the Carnival, and the aforementioned "Burial of the Sardine." It's Puerto Rico's biggest
party, and it's a family event; you'll see mini vejigantes all over the place. Expect crowds, loud music,
loud revelers, and a good time!