Hatillo Mask Festival

Every 28 December, the Day of the Holy Innocents, Hatillo fills with masked figures in bright costume travelling the town in decorated vehicles and on foot, banging drums, blowing whistles and chasing children in a tradition brought by settlers from the Canary Islands in the early nineteenth century. The masks are commercially made and elaborate. It runs from early morning through the day, ending with judging and music on the plaza, and it is one of the largest street events on the island.

What you actually see

• The masked groups - costumed figures travelling the town in decorated vehicles.
• The Canary Islands origin - a tradition brought by settlers in the early 1800s.
• The plaza judging - the competition and music that closes the day.
• The noise - drums, whistles and horns through the whole town.

When to go

28 December only, every year. The town is packed from morning onward and roads are closed. Nothing of the festival happens on any other day.

Honest expectations

It happens on one day a year and there is nothing to see on any other date. The town is extremely crowded and parking is effectively impossible; arriving early or by shuttle is the practical option. The noise is constant and heavy drinking is common.

Nearby

Arecibo is east, and Camuy is west along the coast.