Pedro J. La Viera Matos

Pedro J. La Viera Matos is a maker of vejigante masks in Loiza Puerto Rico. Born in 1954, he is one of the premier artists in this tradition on the island, creating masks and costumes for the Loiza festivities that commemorate St. James (Apostol Santiago) defeating the Moors in Spain. In this festival, both in Loiza and also in New Haven, Connecticut, folk dances featuring costumed vejigante dancers were a major element of the presentation. CCHAP met this artist in 1998 on a research trip to Puerto Rico.