|
     - Photo via Ministry of Culture - |
||||||||||||||
 You
Might
Also Like   
      |
Published on Friday, October
29, 2021
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff The mascaradas (or masquerades in the English language) are those larger than a human head paper-mâché caricature masks placed at the top of a tall stake draped over a frame to make a person-like figure. The bodies tend to dance on their own to the music of street bands while the well-pinned masks stare into the abyss of happy and excited crowds with their creepy wide-open eyes. Since 1996, Oct. 31 has been established as the National Day of the Traditional Costa Rican Mascarada, to promote awareness of the different cultural manifestations existing in the country, which also coincides with Halloween. According to the Ministry of Culture, the tradition of masquerades dates back to the lifestyle in Cartago Province at the time of the Spanish colonization, specifically when the townspeople met at bullfighting festivities where traditional characters were wearing masks and dancing through the streets to the rhythm of the town bands. The masquerades are considered true art. They depict political and historical figures as well as devils and other people from folk tales. Before the pandemic, most towns festivities organized by the municipalities included the masquerades in their parades. It was a must. "Recognizing the work of the artisan, the cultural contribution of the mask and the importance of the masquerade is essential for the safeguarding of the Costa Rican intangible cultural heritage," said Dayana Morales, archaeologist and anthropologist at the Center for Research and Conservation of Cultural Heritage. In celebration of the folk masquerade, the ministry will publish a series of interviews, in the Spanish language, on its social networks about the lives of today's mask artisans, who to this day continue the tradition of making masks by hand. Expats would enjoy the masquerade parade in downtown San José, which was recorded by the local municipality the year before the pandemic and shared on YouTube channel. ---------------- Have you seen the masquerade parade in your community? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com Real
Estate For Sale
Real
Estate Agents
   
|
|||||||||||||
|