Bomba y Plena, Loíza /Laura Magruder
Loíza June-2008, By:Travel and Sports Staff
Loíza
The town's name is rooted in romance.
Cacica Yuisa was baptized Luisa (hence the name of the town) so that she could marry her true love, Pedro Mejías. If she were here today, she would invite you to the famous Fiestas Tradicionales de Santiago Apóstol (St. James Carnival). This annual event features traditional coconut shell masks such as the caballeros (associated with Santiago Apóstol - symbolizing good), the viejos (old men), the locas (crazy women and music) and vejigantes (representing pure evil).
Into this mix you throw in colorful costumes, great music tracing back to the African heritage of the Island, and traditional cuisine. This makes for a fascinating mixture of culture, history and modern-day Puerto Rico. On the plaza, the Iglesia San Patricio (also known as Espíritu Santo) dates to 1670 and is the oldest church in continuous use on the Island.
>How to go:
For the most direct route, stay in the far right lane as you exit the airport and follow the signs to Isla Verde and Loíza. This is Rt 187. On the way you will pass miles of beach, so the weekend traffic can be a bit slow.
| |
About/Advertise/Contact Us
©2010-1986 Travel and Sports, Inc.
travelandsports.com
