Monday, October 18, 2010

San Miguel de Allende's Monjigangas

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.

The puppets stand nine feet tall and weigh about 30 to 35 pounds.

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.

The construction of the hands impressed me.
He lost his ring during the parade.

Monjigangas also represent historical figures. Brides and grooms often commission puppets of themselves to celebrate their wedding day.
The studio also makes smaller puppets for wedding guests.
It's a festive and fun art form from Mexico. Viva la vida de Mexico!

2 comments:

Herm said...

I liked the Monjigangas, they are so colorful!

Tory Brokenshire said...

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.