Festival Indigena Jayuya 2024, Puerto Rico

Festival Indigena Jayuya is the most prominent cultural fair in Puerto Rico, which is held annually in the second half of November. The folk festival takes place in picturesque Jayuya town, surrounded by Cerro La Punta and Los Tres Pichachos mountains. Festival Indigena is specifically focused on Taíno culture and heritage.

Festival Program

The highlights of this three-day festival, known as Indigena Jayuya, include the beauty pageant, in which contestants try their best to show a resemblance to Taino ancestors. Visitors can stop by a traditional Yukayeque village as well as by an arts and crafts fair. Wood carvings and ceramics are the most popular items for sale. It's a must to hear Taino people playing their traditional music. About 61% of the Puerto Rican population share the Taino DNA, so the festival is an important event for the whole island to preserve its heritage. Locals come together, wearing traditional Taíno attire and face paint, to celebrate with lively folk dances.

The festival kicks off on Friday at 7 pm with a lighting of the Taino fire and a traditional cultural ceremony. The main festivities begin on Saturday at 10 am, starting with the fair, folk dancing, music performed by local artists, and music ensembles. Throughout the entire festival run, visitors have a chance to witness numerous expressions of the Taino culture, as well as enjoy delicious local food, made by vendors from the area. The festivities span late into the evening.

Jayuya

Jayuya is often called La Capital Indigena of Puerto Rico. It has been named after the Taíno chief and used to be home for Taino people for a long time. Jayuya is famous for its skilled craftsmen, particularly, woodcarvers. It boasts interesting architectural sites, sculptures, and coffee plantations. Jayuya is situated approximately 26 miles (41 km) from Ponce, known for its coastal architecture, and 17 miles (27 km) from Utuado with scenic natural views.