Journalists from the Bellisario College of Communications are reporting from Puerto Rico during spring break. This is a live blog documenting their experiences as they explore the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, learn about Caribbean culture and dig into sports stories, such as the legacy of Pittsburgh Pirates star – and native son – Roberto Clemente.
The carnival at Carnaval Ponceño
In the Mardi Gras-like atmosphere of Carnaval Ponceño, a boy is still mesmerized by the chance to take the controls on a ride in Ponce, Puerto Rico
Photo gallery: Getting their masks on for Carnaval
There's Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, and Carnaval in Ponce, Puerto Rico.
Carnaval Ponceño draws an international crowd to Ponce, Puerto Rico, for a week-long celebration. The symbol of Carnaval Ponceño, depicted above, is the masked “Vejigantes.”
The vejigante characters are built on the fables, stories and histories of African, Caribbean and Spanish people. Vejigantes once represented the Moors who were defeated by the Spanish. To honor the battle’s leader, Saint James, people would dress like demonic characters. In modern times, this tradition has evolved with the culture of Puerto Rico.
Typical vejigantes costumes are composed of a mask, suit and cape. Other accessories traditionally include inflated cow bladders, which vejigantes strike to create a menacing noise. Less expensive balloons are sometimes substitued for the cow bladders. Vibrant colors, sequins and frills are also essential for the costumes.
Eduardo Cruzeta said the meaning behind his vejigante costume is much deeper than myths and legends. “Even if you look weird or scary, we are people. We are together,” Cruzeta said. “A couple of masks brings a whole family.” Sporting a black and white mask with bright crimson accents, Cruzeta said his dad made the mask he is wearing at Carnaval Ponceño.
The vejigantes are frequently asked to pose for pictures. An unmasked man in his vejigante costume makes a selfie with a festival attendee.
~ Photos by Tina Locurto
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Law student turned violinist puts his soul into busking in Old San Juan
Along a small side street with few cars or people, Luis Ruiz played “Yesterday” by the Beatles on his violin.
Standing at the street corner with a violin case full of crumpled up dollar bills and shiny coins, Ruiz smoothly draws his bow across each string, creating melancholic music that sweeps over the quiet cobblestone road.
“I like every song that I play because I put my soul in it,” he said.
Ruiz, originally from Peru, began playing music at 12 years old.
Though originally on a career path to be a lawyer, Ruiz abandoned the justice route to pursue his musical dreams.
He now studies composition at the Conservatory of Music of Puerto Rico. On weekends, he plays his violin to get a few extra bucks for gas money.
“This violin helps me escape [to] other universes or dimensions when I’m somewhere I don’t like,” Ruiz said.
~ Story and video by Tina Locurto
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