The magic of Mojigangas with Hermes Arroyo

While in San Miguel de Allende for our Paint San Miguel workshop with Katie Kendrick and Judy Wise, we were fortunate enough to visit Hermes Arroyo at his family's home and workshop where they create these magical mojigangas. Hermes is very charming and despite the language barrier, we could tell that he has a great sense of humor. It is important to him that he maintains the tradition of creating and selling his work where he lives. He feels that too many artisans have lost this in San Miguel.

Here he explains and shows how he creates the puppets using paper and glue and how the structure of the puppet is created so that it can be carried. These puppets are very tall.

This small red puppet is very old and is one of my favorites. The saint is also made from paper.

Laura and Judy are getting a little frisky with this puppet.

These masks are very old. Can you tell which one Katie is wearing?!

Another favorite.

The artists were given two choices, make a mask or a bird that rattles.

Their final projects.

Hermes surprised us by letting two of his mojigangas escort us to our dinner that evening. We had our own little parade through the jardin. I have to admit, it was very fun.

You never know what will happen on a Bellissima Art Escape!

You can see more of Hermes's puppets here. If in San Miguel, I highly recommend that you stop by and have a class with Hermes and his family. It's a delight. You can contact him or his contact in the US, Cindi Olsman at mojigangas@mojigangasdesanmiguel.com. Be sure to visit and like their Facebook page.