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Hand carved Christian statue of virgin and child.

Hand carved Christian statue of virgin and child.

Tamborine looking instruments on the wall are called “Panderos or Panderetas,” they are played in the Puerto Rican musical tradition of “Plena.” Directly below are the drums known as “barrilles” (barrels,) also called bomba drums. To the right is…

Three Vejigante masks. The vejigante is a devil like character who is very mischievous. He is found in the Afro-Puerto Rican folklore of the island.

Vejigante masks. The vejigante is a devil like character who is very mischievous, he is found in the Afro-Puerto Rican folklore of the island.

Piece of cement facing that fell off of a brick building in the Old Juan area of Puerto Rico, created the image of Africa.

Catamaran boat called “ La Rumba” docked in the San Juan, Puerto Rico harbor.

Bomba dancer dancing to the beat of the barilles (bomba drums.) In the background is Tata Cepeda on the microphone.

Citizens of Loíza Aldea, Puerto Rico in a parade on the day of Santiago apostol.

Citizens of Loíza Aldea, Puerto Rico dressed as vejigantes marching in a parade on the day of Santiago apostol.

Vejigante, Loíza Aldea, Puerto Rico on the day of Santiago apostol.

Citizens of Loíza Aldea, Puerto Rico in a parade on the day of Santiago apostol.

"Cultura es lucha" means "culture is struggle".

Vejigante, Loíza Aldea, Puerto Rico on the day of Santiago apostol.

Young boy dressed as a vejigante. Loíza Aldea, Puerto Rico on the day of Santiago apostol.

Vejigante, Loíza Aldea, Puerto Rico on the day of Santiago apostol.

Statue of Santiago apostol. Loíza Aldea Cathedral in Puerto Rico.

Loíza Aldea Cathedral in Puerto Rico.

Citizens of Loíza Aldea carrying statue of Santiago apostol from the cathedral.

Citizens of Loíza Aldea carrying statue of Santiago in procession.

Jeep with huge vejigante mask leads the procession on the day of Santiago apostol.

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.

Man dressed as a “Caballero” during the festival of Santiago apostol.

Citizens and tourists gathered around the home of the “Ayalas” in the city of Loíza Aldea, Puerto Rico. The Ayala family are the premier exponents of the bomba and plena, an Afro -Puerto Rican musical tradition.

Vejigantes dancing bomba at the Ayala family home on the day of Santiago apostol.

Citizens of Loíza Aldea playing the barriles (bomba drums) on the day of Santiago apostol.