Puerto Rican Tradition - The Baquine
by Dr. Tekina-eiru Maynard (2005)
Indepth research into the traditions of Loiza Aldea culminated in a live
music and dance production entitled
Celebrando 2005 - Viva Loiza,
a joint performance between William Cepeda, AfroBoricua and PRFDance on
June 25-26, 2005. Our research included learning about the traditions of the
Baquine. Enjoy these photos from our recreation of a Baquine, as well as
the historical notes behind one of Loiza's unique traditions.
History of the Baquine
The Baquine, in its afro-carribean form, is an old and disappearing tradition not widely known outside of Loiza Aldea, Puerto Rico. This tradition, part religious, part festive, marks the death of an innocent child as a joyful event rather than one to mourn, as the child would now become an angel in heaven. The evening before the child's funeral, family, friends and loved ones would gather for the Baquine. Traditional games and songs would be shared long into the night until the sun came up, followed in the morning by the burial. We are proud to help preserve the Baquine it is a vanishing tradition. Thanks to modern medicine, the death of young children is not common anymore! Our teachers from AfroBoricua could not remember a Baquine celebrated in Loiza Aldea for over two or more decades.
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Dr. Ana María Tekina-eirú Maynard
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