The 30th Annual Fiesta of Santiago Apostol de Loiza is a fun filled festival with plenty of cultural activities and customs to experience.
Exotic flavored shaved ices and fried platanos stuffed with various stewed fillings are just a few of the dishes that keep visitors coming back for more of the Fiesta of Santiago Apostol de Loiza.
This year’s event is the 30th annual gathering which brings together a melting pot of both Spanish customs, African tradition, and Caribbean essences. This year’s Annual Festival Santiago Apostol, from Loiza to El Barrio was organized by the Hermanos Fraternos de Loiza Aldea with the help of The Caribbean Cultural Center (CCCADI) and El Barrio-Taino Towers.
This is a great opportunity for children and adults to be educated on the progression of this festival. Children will enjoy the activities of creating their own masks and costumes to wear throughout the three day celebration. This event focuses mainly on the advancements and triumphs of men, women, and children during the year.
During the celebration the streets are full of artists, musicians, dancers, and other artisans with music, accessories and artworks that represent the various cultures. Concerts from bomba, salsa, and plena artists serve as entertainment over the three days and offer enjoyment to visitors of all ages.
The 30th Annual Festival Santiago Apostol de Loiza a El Barrio promotes Puerto Rican customs and allows the community to partake in traditional activities begin by previous generations.
El Barrio’s 2012 festival recognizes leaders that have helped the conserve the community as well help to provide cultural contributions to the community. You certainly don’t want to miss these talented musicians as they perform on the streets and on stage and spread the customs and traditions of the Caribbean, Puerto Rican, and African cultures.
Schedule:
- July 27, 2012 Opening Ceremony – 1651 Lexington Avenue, 4pm – 9pm
- Showing of an exhibition of photographs from Maristany of Loiza from the 1970’s
- Live Performance by Caridad De la Luz “La Bruja”, 6pm – 9:00 pm
- July 28, 2012 – All day music performances and language workshops. Music by Zon Del Barrio from Jazzmobile.
- July 29, 2012 – Procession from 101Street and 3rd Avenue to 115/116th Street
Traditional procession participants:
- Vegigantes – Related to the Moko Jumbies of the English Speaking Caribbean – the costume is a multi-colored costume resembling a bat with a colorful coconut mask.
- El Viejo y La Vieja – Old man and woman – young people dressed in baggy clothing of assorted colors walking with canes.
- La Loca – Re-creating a comical old woman who gets into everyone’s business
- El Caballero – Dresses in Spanish conquistador dress – with a mesh painted mask among other figures.
Venue:
105th Street, between Lexington and Park. 11am – 9:00 pm
Friday, Saturday and Sunday of July 27th, 28th and 29th
Free Admission
