Free and open to the public:

New Orleans Jazz Museum’s very own Curatorial Assistant Ilyanette Bernabel will be kicking off the Mardi Gras Mambo event by presenting the research of her exhibition entitled Carnival in Puerto Rico: Connections to the Homeland. The exhibition explores carnival traditions in Puerto Rico and its connection to Africa. This lecture will explore the Carnival masked characters called Vejigantes, their unique cultural history from Spain to the Caribbean island, and the infamous musical and dance styles of bomba y plena.

Be sure to celebrate Mardi Gras Mambo starting at 7 pm!

Pictured: Vejigante mask (made out of coconut and branches) worn for Carnival in Loiza, Puerto Rico.