Mojigangas: Giant Puppet People

Feeling Small, Mojiganga Serving a Customer, Federico Correa,

Mojigangas

By Federico Correa

 Mojigangas are giant people that walk the streets of San Miguel de Allende usually  during  public fiestas or celebrations. Essentially, they are giant puppets made of paper mache. Appropriately dressed for the whatever festive occasion whether a national holiday, a saint's birthday or a wedding celebration,  mojigangas  will no doubt be present whirling about  cavorting with the smaller human celebrants.  

It is believed that  the tradition of mojigangas  originated  in Spain arriving  in Mexico during the 1600s. In addition to adding and spreading cheer, these giant puppets assumed various roles as effigies and as  satirical figures.

Confronted by these giant mojigangas on a regular basis here in San Miguel de Allende, I decided to do  sketchbook characterizations of these festive puppets. The following slide presentation includes some of the sketches. I added two sketches that have nothing to do with the giants.   

Mojigangas Sketches Video

   





Mojiganga  Senora con Su Hombre, Federico Correa,






More information about Mohigangas:
MOJIGANGAS, A true art form in the tradition of CARTONERIA

all work copyrighted 2016