Photo via Ministry of Culture.
|
|||
Published on
Thursday, October 31, 2024
Costa
Rica celebrates Día
Nacional de las Mascaradas, or
Masquerade Day, established in 1996 to honor
its cultural traditions.
The
date coincides with trick-or-treating on
Halloween, which has become a tradition in
many countries on October 31.
Masquerades
are massive papier-mâché human
heads, a material made of paper pulp or
pieces of paper mixed with an adhesive. The
mask is placed on top of a tall pole and
draped over a frame to form a person-like
figure.
They
are considered genuine artwork to portray
political figures and popular people from
the country's culture.
The
masquerade parades take place throughout the
streets and are key traditions in most
communities' cultural events. Parades date
back to the Spanish colonization era in
Cartago Province, mostly when residents came
together for festivals, according to the
Ministry of Culture.
"Recognizing the artisan's work and the meaning of the masquerade is essential for preserving Costa Rica's intangible cultural heritage," said Dayana Morales, archaeologist and anthropologist at the Ministry's Center for Research and Conservation of Cultural Heritage.
On
Thursday, parades are being held in many
places to honor Masquerade Day, and they
are arranged by the municipalities.
The
Masquerade Festival will be held in the
National Bank's headquarters in
downtown San José. The festival, which
begins at 3 p.m., features masquerade
parades, dances, and concerts. The event is free
to attend.
The
Guanacaste Township Band will perform at
the Masquerade Festival which will be held
at Liberia
Canton Central Park in
Guanacaste. The free and
pet-friendly concert starts at 5 p.m.
The
Puntarenas Township Band will perform at
the Masquerade Festival at the National
Culture House in
Puntarenas. The free show
starts at 6 p.m.
The
Alajuelas Township Band will perform at
the Masquerade Festival at the National
Technology University in
Alajuela. The free and
pet-friendly show starts at 7 p.m.
The
National Network of Music Education
Orchestra will perform at the Masquerade
Festival which will be held at its
facilities in Grecia Canton,
Alajuela. The free and
pet-friendly show starts at 5 p.m.
More Masquerade Day cultural activities are available on the Ministry's website.
---------------- What have you heard about masquerade parades in your community? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com
Real
Estate for Rent
|