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Batey de los Ayalas
The concrete slab foundation was all that remained of the Artesanía Castor Ayala after Hurricane María. The Artesanía, or artisan shop, was rebuilt in March 2018.
Artesanías Castor Ayala - Destroyed
Hurricane María destroyed the Artesanías Castor Ayala, which served as both a cultural museum and preservation site and artisan shop for the Ayala family in Loíza Aldea. When Raíces visited in January 2018, the wood for the rebuilding the the…
Sign for Artesanías Castor Ayala Artisan Shop
Sign for the Artesanías Castor Ayala in January 2018, 4 months after Hurricane María. Culture persists.
Talking with the Ayalas
Raíces Director Francisco G. Gómez speaking with Raquel and Junito Ayala about the storm, the aftermath, and the recovery and rebuilding.
Vejigante
Vejigante masks made by the Ayalas remain on display in the home.
Blue Tarp Roof - Loíza
Like many across the island, the roof of the home of the Ayalas in Loíza was ripped off during the storm. On our visit in January, there was still a blue tarp serving as a temporary roof as plans were continuing to be discussed and decided for the…
Seeds for Marco Ayala Lind
Sharing seeds with Marco Ayala Lind for his home garden.
A Grid Destroyed
The powerful winds of Hurricane Maria brought down tens of thousands of electric poles, snapping and bending some completely in half.
Electric Lines Post-Maria
Bent, broken and leaning electric poles were a common sight in every part of the island, even four months after the storm. This went along with electric lines laying across roads and in piles along roadsides, and lines hanging just inches above the…
Destroyed by Maria
Gas station in Loíza Aldea that was destroyed by Hurricane Maria and has been closed since.
Clearing Brush
Immediately after the storm residents formed brigades to clear the road of debris, including fallen trees, vegetation and landslides. Much of this was piled along the sides of the roads. Upon arriving in Puerto Rico four months after the storm, most…
Raúl Ayala
Raúl Ayala, artisan and bombero, playing the barriles de bomba during the fiestas de Santiago Apostól.
Centro de Artesanía familia Ayala
Artisan shop and exhibit center for the Ayala. The shop is decorated inside and out with vejigante masks and costumes, handcrafted by the Ayala family. Vejigante masks and costumes, as well as other handcrafted items can be purchased here.
Vejigante Puppet in Loíza
Oversize paper-mache vejigante puppet on the streets of Loíza Aldea during the processionals for las fiestas de Santiago Apostol.
Caballero
Citizen of Loíza Aldea dressed as a “caballero” on the day of Santiago apostol. The caballero is a popular character seen during the festival of Santiago apostal.
Fiesta
Man dressed in unknown costume during the festival of Santiago apostol.
Fiesta - Vejigante and Saint James
Two citizens of Loíza Aldea dressed as vejigantes and another dressed as one of the “caballeros.” The caballero is a popular figure during the festival of Santiago apostol.
Vejigante Jeep
Jeep with huge vejigante mask leads the procession on the day of Santiago apostol.