The Vejigante Mask: Unveiling Cultural Heritage and Artistic Expression in Puerto Rico

Since 1858 on February, a week before the start of Lent, over 100,000 Puerto Ricans gathered around the town center of Ponce, where they celebrated the Carnaval de Ponce. If you are like me and unfortunately have not been able to experience the festival, here are some details that might pique your interest in driving down our windy roads to Ponce for this event. This Carnaval is known as one of the largest festivals in Puerto Rico, consisting of hundreds of people enjoying music, food, and lots of drinks. This specific festival is one of the few other celebrations that are connected with the Puerto Rican culture. After the royal Vejigante coronation is done, the week ends with the “Burial of the Sardine.” The Burial of the Sardine honors the start of the Lent season. Festivalgoers have a symbolic funeral where they then burn a mock coffin with a sardine in it.  

As exciting and unique as the Burial of the sardine is, one of the biggest and main attractions in this festival is the Vejigantes, one more famously and celebrated known is King Momo, where he makes his appearance and chooses one female for the Carnaval Queen’s coronation. This festival is celebrated every year to ward off evil spirits. This is where the Vejigantes have a huge role in this vibrant celebration. 

Vejigantes are a cultural symbol in Puerto Rico folklore, they were known as demons that warded off other evil spirits. They originated from Spanish African traditions and are most commonly seen during the Carnaval de Ponce, but some can also be seen during other festivities like the “Calles de San Sebastian,” a weekend event that finalizes our Christmas season, which is celebrated around a week before the Carnaval. The Vejigantes masks are these interesting and sometimes creepy paper-mâché or coconut shell masks with horns and sharp teeth, bright colors, and often intricate designs. You might even remember creating some in art class back when we were little in elementary school. The costumes that came along with these masks are also very eye-catching, with lots of frills, ribbons, and bells. While the basic design of the Vejigante mask remains consistent, there are regional variations that reflect the unique cultural heritage of different communities across Puerto Rico. From the colorful masks of Ponce to the more subdued designs found in other regions, each variation adds to the rich tapestry of Puerto Rican folklore. Aside from it being a festival filled with fun music and dancing, the Vejigantes are known for warding off evil spirits.  

Vejigantes were given to those who were up to dressing in these extravagant costumes and were up to scaring people, mainly children. They would also carry around cow bladders while they chanted “coco coco vejigantes coco coco.” It seems crazy but, they would use the bladders and the chants to scare away the evil spirits. That is how vejigantes were named, it comes from the word “vejiga,” which means bladder in Spanish. Legend has it that the Vejigante mask was originally created to ward off evil spirits and protect communities from harm. According to folklore, the masks were adorned with horns, fangs, and other frightening features to intimidate malevolent forces and bring good luck to those who wore them. While the meaning behind the masks is still relevant, it is also a way for us to celebrate and honor the folklore and our ancestors. 

The Vejigante mask stands as a powerful symbol of Puerto Rican culture and tradition. From its origins in folklore to its continued relevance in modern celebrations, this iconic mask embodies the spirit of resilience, creativity, and joy that defines the island’s unique identity. As Puerto Ricans continue to honor their heritage and pass down cherished traditions to future generations, the legacy of the Vejigante mask will not just be a symbol of festivity, but also a guardian of tradition. From the cow bladder to the intricately designed masks seen today, the evolution of the Vejigante reflects the resilience and adaptability of Puerto Rican culture. So, whether you’re savoring the flavors of a traditional dish, marveling at the intricate details of a Vejigante mask, or dancing to the rhythmic beats of Puerto Rican music, the Carnaval de Ponce is an unforgettable experience bringing the past to the present.