Real PRican X-mas

[G_I_JOE_EMR]

picture
I wanted to share with all of you what the true spirit of X-mas means to me here in PR on the North Side of the Island, which is where I was born, neighboring town of Barceloneta(close to Arecibo, Which is close to another famous town-Hatillo). This is a Celebration called “Festival de Mascaras de Hatillo”. It is celebrated on December 28 every year, this day is remembered as the day the slain of innocent children was ordered by King Herod.

This festival is more than 100 years old dating back to our ancestors from the Canary Islands (Tenerife) and our african ancestors too. I have been a dedicated fan to this carnival with all my :hpound and I fell in love with this celebration since my father brought me to it when I was 7 years old. This year I took my son to enjoy it as well. I wanted to share with you guys this wonderful festival, maybe some of you have not heard of it, but this festival is internationally known for its beauty and it’s tradition. I have more pictures to share with you guys.

 

[G_I_JOE_EMR]

:sosad can anyone help me post a pic here??
I've pm some people but so far I get no answers that can help me.

 

[G_I_JOE_EMR]

here's the link for those of you who would like to know
what this festival is:
http://groups.msn.com/FestivalDeMascarasinHatilloPR/welcome.msnw

 

[G_I_JOE_EMR]

x-mas boricua

Los Legendarios

 

[LaBettyBoop]

Nice pic GI......... thanks. 😉

 

[G_I_JOE_EMR]

Mascaras de Hatillo

The whole festival is full of meaning, for example the eleaborate and colorful costumes (and also very expensive simple ones starting at $300.00 each) are covered from hat, shirt, pants and hat with tinkerbells. These bells are believed to scare the bad spirits of the Roman Soldiers that were sent by Herod to slain all innocent children under the age of 2.

 

[G_I_JOE_EMR]

This is a female troupe in honor of Betty Boop

 

[G_I_JOE_EMR]

Festival

Another picture at one of the Vaquerias "Milk produce industry"
these Merchants who are proud of the tradition, offer the participants
Food and drinks on this day all day long in exchange for their visit and
Parading around their grounds. I have a cousin who “runs” (participates) in these floats.
It is a very noisy parade, since the noise is also suppose to scare away all the bad spirits of the roman soldiers. I hope everyone enjoys these pixx. It is a tourist attraction this time of year for this small town.

 

[G_I_JOE_EMR]

The participants in these events are allowed to play pranks on anyone. When I was young you had to guess who was the one playing the prank on you, because their faces were covered and they would make funny unrecognizable noises so that they could play the prank on you. If the whole group knew you, they would circle you all around and dance and jump and play tricks on you. Nowadays the pranks are different, they still dance around you, but they’re also allowed to throw you shaving cream on your face and beer and pancake syrup. It’s allowed. So if you attend this and someone that’s participating recognizes you, you better be prepared.

 

[jazzy4u]

This is a female troupe in honor of Betty Boop

Beautiful, did Labetty see this.

 

[Nyasia]

those are somegreat pics GI, Thanks for sharing them!

 

[G_I_JOE_EMR]

more floats

Local authorities give these floats permission to drive all day long around town.
To keep the tradition alive local authorities give participants awards for their floats in return the get $$, and one full year of bragging rights. 🙂

 

[G_I_JOE_EMR]

for the kids too

This is a site every little kid loves

 

[G_I_JOE_EMR]

los infantiles

for the kids

 

[G_I_JOE_EMR]

More jeeps and sirens

Notice the sirens, they are really loud :yeey
I hope everyone enjoys these pixxx
I'm proud of this tradition

 

[G_I_JOE_EMR]

The talibans

this group is called "The Talibans"
part of playing pranks and looking for originallity in the contest.
Very colorful and beautiful when it was entering the Plaza and all the townsfolk receive them.

 

[G_I_JOE_EMR]

:yeey
has anyone else enjoyed these???
would like your opinions

 

[jazzy4u]

Wow they r beautiful

 

[Heartbrake]

Joe, Thank you for sharing these photos. Not only are they beautiful and extremely colorful, but you have opened my eyes to a tradition in PR I didn't know about. And the basis behind it, the religious thread for which it came about, says alot about our people. Mi isla bonita, me encanta!!!

 

[Nyasia]

:yeey
has anyone else enjoyed these???
would like your opinions

yes they are awesome, you know 8th Sin told me about that tradition in PR, he had shown me some pics before, but these are really great, I have never been to the island, so I am fascinated with these. thanks.