04 August 2009

Patron Saint Festival in Yamasa

Located in the poorest province of the Dominican Republic is a town called Yamasa, known for it's patron saint festival in honor of St. Anton. Los Hermanos Guillen, Taino artisans who are also brothers and own an organic cacao farm, have been actively creating their own tradition by amalgamating various aspects of traditional Dominican culture. They are committed to rehashing the D.R.'s indigenous roots which is certainly commendable, but the festival gave me the impression of a 1950's National Geographic reporter's wet dream.

After the presentation of the saints (a procession begins from the church carrying a statue of St. Anton), the festival takes on the vibe of an extended family's BBQ. Teenagers ladle out mamajuana and passion fruit juice while an elder sat in a rocking chair and rolls cigars for everyone - all for free.

And then the cacophony begins. Vans begin to arrive loaded with photographers, journalists, TV crew, exchange students, tourists, etc. to catch a glimpse of the native culture. Anything that can be labeled as Dominican folk is assigned a patch of grass; within 10 feet of each other you can hear pri pri, gaga, perico ripiao, salves, and congos. For some reason a group of people came dressed up in Carnaval oufits and performed a demonstration.

A disingenuous menagerie of indigenous Dominican culture? Hmm. Although things didn't really go together, I'm down with the brothers' efforts in preserving Dominican roots.