Lilly Carrasquillo & David Peñaflor
Florida Folklife asked our artists a series of questions to learn more about their traditions and how those traditions have impacted their lives and the lives of those around them. Take a look at the answers we got from Lily Carrasquillo below.
What folk tradition(s) or traditional art(s) do you practice?
I practice the paper maché vejigante mask making from Puerto Rico.
How did you learn those traditions?
I took classes with a community instructor in P.R., I learned how to make the old technique of paper maché making, and during the process, I researched how to make the vejigante masks. I was introduced to the tradition by my family during our family trip around the island during my childhood. That was something that I still remember.
Why is it important to maintain folk traditions?
The same way that my family was involved in community events and taught me the importance of our roots and cultural traditions, I feel that everyone should be introduced in this same way to cultural diversity to build awareness. Not everyone has the same opportunities of being exposed to community cultural events. Most of the time, these opportunities are the first time people are introduced to traditions.
How did you first get involved with the Florida Folklife Program?
I met Dr. Natalie Underberg through my husband David Peñaflor when she first interviewed him about his Aztec cultural traditions from Mexico. Later on, she put me in touch with Dr. Tina Bucuvalas and later Mrs. Amanda Hardeman Griffis with the Florida Folklife Program, joining them for many other folk & cultural projects in Florida.
What Florida Folklife Program projects have you participated in and/or what folklife awards have you received?
I have participated in various community and state festivals as well as the Apprenticeship Program offered by Florida Folklife Program. My husband David and I were awarded the 2017 Florida Folk Heritage Award.
How has the Florida Folklife Program benefited you or what value does the program have?
I am extremely grateful for the Florida Folklife Program for all the many opportunities that me and my husband have received in spreading and sharing our traditions - his as a Mexican folklorist and me with my Puerto Rican traditional vejigante masks making and exhibitions around the state of Florida. Off course, it has helped us to continue being artistically active in the community and anywhere else we are needed.
How can the Florida Folklife Program better serve you?
[David and I] both agree that every year the Florida Folklife Program is getting better and always with quality and respect to all folk artists. It is always a good idea for this program to continue receiving support so that all traditions can continue to be shared.
