Festival Nacional Indígena

National Indigenous Festival

Celebration of Indigenous Culture and Traditions

Festival Nacional Indígena
Festival Nacional Indígena

The National Indigenous Festival of Jayuya is an annual celebration that honors the legacy and heritage of the Taino people of Puerto Rico. It is held at the Nemesio R. Canales Recreation Plaza in Jayuya, Puerto Rico, during the weekend of November 17-19.

The festival features a variety of cultural, educational, and recreational activities for all ages. Visitors can enjoy traditional music, folk dances, handicrafts, typical food, and a variety of cultural presentations. There is also an indigenous parade, an indigenous costume contest, and an indigenous pageant.

One of the festival’s most striking features is the recreation of a traditional Taino village. Visitors can learn about the customs and traditions of the Tainos, see how they lived and worked, and try some of their traditional foods.

The National Indigenous Festival of Jayuya is a unique opportunity to learn about the culture and history of the Tainos of Puerto Rico. It is also a fun and family-friendly event to enjoy with people of all ages.

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.

Address and Map:

Dirección Física:
Jayuya
Jayuya, Puerto Rico 00664

The festival takes place in the Nemesio R. Canales Recreation Plaza, which is located in the center of Jayuya.

From San Juan: Take the Luis A. Ferré Expressway (PR-52) towards Ponce. Exit at exit 119 towards Jayuya. Follow the signs to the Nemesio R. Canales Recreation Plaza.

From Ponce: Take the Luis A. Ferré Expressway (PR-52) towards San Juan. Exit at exit 119 towards Jayuya. Follow the signs to the Nemesio R. Canales Recreation Plaza.

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