Every July, the town of Loiza bursts with vibrant energy as it hosts the Festival de Santiago Apóstol or Fiestas Tradicionales. This celebration, which culminates around the St. James Feast on July 25th, features vibrant parades and a reenactment of the battle between the forces of good and evil. What sets this festival apart is its unique fusion of African and Spanish Catholic traditions, making it a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
Parades and Processions
The main attraction of the Festival de Santiago Apóstol is the parades featuring a symbolic battle between Los Vejigantes and Los Caballeros, the Spanish knights, representing the clash between good and evil. Vejigantes embody devils or Moors and don scary masks with horns made of wood and coconut. Conversely, Los Caballeros are elaborately dressed in colorful capes adorned with sequins and ribbons, boasting vibrant hues of yellow, red, and green. Other participants include Las Locas, men dressed as eccentric women, and Los Viejos, local men of modest means. It's customary during the festivities for men in Loíza to masquerade as women.
Saint James Carnival
Another attraction of the festival is the traditional Bomba music and dance, which reveal a strong African influence. Fiestas Tradicionales in Loíza is the best time to enjoy Puerto Rico's eclectic and lively culture and try festival foods and local snacks. Kiosks and stalls also offer crafts and arts. The traditional Saint James festivities kick off on July 24 with a procession to St. Patrick’s followed by a Mass, typically held around 6 pm. On July 25, the celebration continues with the Caravana Loicenos Ausentes procession to the main public plaza, where attendees can enjoy further festivities, a Mass, and another procession, usually taking place from 9 am to noon.
Location
The festival takes place in several Loiza neighborhoods, however, the main processions take place around Iglesia San Patrício, Plaza Publica, and Capilla Santiago Apóstol in the Medianía Alta neighborhood.
History of the Festival
Saint James, one of the 12 apostles, holds the esteemed position as the patron saint of the Christian Spanish military, believed to have aided in their conquest over the pagan Moors. His apparition is reputed to have appeared in both Spain and Loíza, leading to both regions adopting Saint James as their patron saint. Consequently, Spain and Puerto Rico commemorate the feast day of Saint James with similar celebrations.
