The festival in the city of Ponce in Puerto Rico, called Ponce Carnival, had been each year sublime for 150 years already since its beginning in 1858. It is an spirited event as a spectator will study any locals wearing the sublime costumes of the creatures they call "vejigantes" or devils. Each vejigante wears a mask, a cape and a suit. Vejigantes may wear colorful costumes and even wear the colors red, blue and white of the Puerto Rican flag. But a vejigante must have a mask that should not just be any commonplace horrific-looking mask like what population wear in Halloween costume parties. The mask must also be complete with fangs, snout and horns.
This celebration is usually held while the month of February, before the Lenten season which is signified by Ash Wednesday. If it is linked with the Catholic religion, then why would they be wearing demon suits? Actually, these "vejigantes," have a noble and symbolic mission to perform, despite their demonic costumes. They will be going around town, armed with their "vejigas" or inflated cow bladders, and they will be whipping or striking the children or passers by with these weapons - but only as an outward appearance of it, without their intention of hurting - to drive evil spirits away.
MISSIONS TRIPS TO AFRICA
Spectators will be delighted to join the joyful crowd as they chant noisily to encourage the vejigantes to do their task. Aside from that, they may eat and drink merrily, listen or dance to former music, salsa or favorite music, and watch the parade of the King and Queen of the Carnival. All these festivities end with the appropriate "Burial of the Sardine" where a coffin with a model fish is burnt, signifying the burning of sins and the start of Lent.
Ponce Carnival - A Symbolic Welcome to Lent MISSIONS TRIPS TO AFRICA
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