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Las Monjigangas, giant puppets, teeter and dance to the music down Canal Street during a parade to celebrate the Feast Day of Saint Michael the Archangel or San Miguel.
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The puppets stand nine feet tall and weigh about 30 to 35 pounds.
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We visited the studio of
Hermes Arroyo, a local monijganga artist. His nephew showed us how the puppets are made- metal/wood frame, cardboard and plaster, acrylic paint and then they are dressed. Each one has a personality. The artist often sits in the main plaza and sketches faces and characteristics of people he sees. The inspiration is transformed into his puppets.
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The construction of the hands impressed me.
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He lost his ring during the parade.
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Monjigangas also represent historical figures. Brides and grooms often commission puppets of themselves to celebrate their wedding day.
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The studio also makes smaller puppets for wedding guests.
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It's a festive and fun art form from Mexico. Viva la vida de Mexico!
2 comments:
I liked the Monjigangas, they are so colorful!
That was so nice you got to see how they are made. I bet it was so fun to see in person, grand and large.
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