National Indigenous Festival

Festival Activities

The National Indigenous Festival of Jayuya offers a variety of activities for all ages.

Among the most popular activities are:

• Indigenous artisans: Indigenous artisans sell a variety of handmade items, such as basketry, wood carvings, jewelry, and clothing.
• Indigenous music and dance: Visitors can enjoy live indigenous music and dance.
• Indigenous food: Food vendors sell a variety of traditional indigenous dishes, such as mofongo, cassava, and guavas.
• Indigenous ceremonies: Visitors can witness traditional indigenous ceremonies, such as the areito and the cohoba.
• Indigenous games: Visitors can participate in traditional indigenous games, such as ball and bat.

In addition to the activities mentioned above, the National Indigenous Festival of Jayuya also includes an indigenous pageant, in which young women compete for the title of Indigenous Queen. The festival also includes an indigenous parade, in which participants wear traditional indigenous costumes and march through the streets of Jayuya.

The National Indigenous Festival of Jayuya is a unique opportunity to learn about the Taino culture of Puerto Rico and celebrate the legacy of the island’s indigenous peoples. The festival is a family-friendly event that attracts visitors from all over Puerto Rico and the world.

Food and Music

The National Indigenous Festival of Jayuya is a cultural event that celebrates the legacy and heritage of the Tainos, the indigenous people who inhabited Puerto Rico before the arrival of the Europeans. Food and music are two important aspects of Taino culture, and both are present at the festival.

The festival offers a variety of traditional Puerto Rican dishes, including mofongo, rice and beans, and roasted pork. There is also a selection of traditional indigenous dishes, such as cassava (a bread made from cassava) and guanime (a tamale made from corn and meat).

The festival features a variety of traditional Puerto Rican music and dance, including jíbaro music, plena, and bomba. There are also performances by indigenous folk dance groups.

Family and Community Celebration

The National Indigenous Festival of Jayuya is a family and community celebration that honors the heritage and legacy of the Tainos, the indigenous people who inhabited Puerto Rico before the arrival of the Europeans. The festival is held annually for three days in the month of November at the Nemesio R. Canales Recreation Plaza in Jayuya, a town located in the central mountainous region of the island.

The festival is a free and open-to-the-public event, and it offers a variety of activities for all ages. Visitors can enjoy live music and dance, learn about the culture and history of Puerto Rico’s indigenous people through exhibits and workshops, and purchase handcrafted items by Puerto Rican artisans. There is also a variety of traditional Puerto Rican food and drinks available for purchase.

Tips for Visitors

Here are some tips to help you make the most of the National Indigenous Festival of Jayuya:

• Wear comfortable clothes and walking shoes. The festival takes place in the public square of Jayuya, which is a large outdoor area. It is important to wear comfortable clothes and walking shoes so that you can enjoy all of the festival’s activities.
• Bring cash. Many of the vendors at the festival only accept cash.
• Arrive early. The festival gets very crowded, especially on Saturday and Sunday. If you arrive early, you will be able to avoid the crowds and find a place to sit and enjoy the music and dance.
• Bring your camera. The National Indigenous Festival of Jayuya is an amazing photographic event. Be sure to bring your camera to capture all of the special moments.

The National Indigenous Festival of Jayuya is a great opportunity to learn about the culture and history of Puerto Rico’s indigenous people. It is a fun and educational event for the whole family.