Festival de las Máscaras (2009)

The Festival de las Máscaras (2009) refers to the annual Mask Festival held in Hatillo, Puerto Rico in 2009. This festival, a traditional celebration dating back to the Spanish colonial era, is a significant cultural event centered around costumed figures known as "vejigantes." The vejigantes, wearing elaborate and often colorful masks, roam the streets, playfully teasing and interacting with the public. The festival includes parades, music, food, and craft vendors, attracting large crowds. The 2009 iteration of the festival would have featured these characteristic activities and presentations, reflecting the community's heritage and traditions. The festival typically occurs around the Feast of the Holy Innocents on December 28th, although specific dates and events may vary from year to year.