In Comerío, Puerto Rico, a long-standing tradition honoring the island’s agricultural heritage has taken a festive turn. For 41 years, the community of Higüero has celebrated the “jíbaro” – the traditional farmer – through the Festival El Jobo.
The festival, established on July 20, 1984, by Ángel Luis “Wiso” Morales, recreates the lives of ancestors who lived between 1940 and 1950 through 36 “estampas,” or displays, resembling homes of that era. This year, however, marked a first: the displays were illuminated with Christmas lights, transforming the area into a vibrant, holiday-themed spectacle.
“When I saw that hillside lit up, I got emotional,” Jorge Morales, who inherited leadership of the festival after his father’s death, told Primera Hora. “When they turned on those little houses, it was paradise. I was on the stage and when I told them to turn on the lights, I started to cry with emotion, with joy, not because they shone so much, but because of what a community achieved, something so beautiful without anyone giving us a cent.”
The inaugural Christmas edition of the festival, held from November 28-30, proved even more popular than the summer iteration, according to Morales. Visitors are drawn to the “estampas,” which serve as a tangible link to the past, showcasing how the “jíbaros” lived in the mountains.
The festival is entirely self-funded; Morales raises money by selling lunches, refusing donations from the municipality or any governmental entity. He anticipates a possible repeat of the Christmas festival in November 2026, contingent on community support and fundraising success.
The festival’s origins lie in Don Wiso Morales’s desire to celebrate Puerto Rican culture. Named after a landmark tree used as a local reference point, “El Jobo” has become a symbol of community and heritage. Morales also brings the festival to the United States each May.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Festival El Jobo begin?
The festival began on July 20, 1984, founded by Don Wiso Morales.
Where is the Festival El Jobo located?
The festival is held in the Higüero community of Comerío, Puerto Rico.
How is the festival funded?
The festival is funded entirely through the sale of lunches organized by Jorge Morales, with no acceptance of donations from governmental entities.
What does the future hold for this unique cultural celebration, and how will the community continue to honor its heritage through evolving traditions?
