ATLANTIC SOUTH. Shot Glass, Barware, Souvenir, c. 1990s.
A colorful street scene complete with costumed revellers greets the users of this souvenir of America’s Caribbean island/archipelago. The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico is self-governing, yet is a U.S. territory. The Atlantic Ocean runs along its northern coast, providing the capital city of San Juan with one of the best natural harbors in the entire region. Its name is Spanish for “Rich Port” due to this geographical fact. One hundred and forty-two additional smaller islands comprise the entirety of the land, most of which exists within the northeastern Caribbean Sea. The festive illustration decorating this little collectible drink cup does not tell us exactly where the street party is happening, but the masks worn by the line drummers are indicative of a celebration that commemorates Dia de los Santos Incentes. This is the Puerto Rican version of April Fools Day, and it dates back to the 1823 founding of the municipality of Hatillo. On December 28 this beautiful northern coast town hosts an annual mask festival called, fittingly, Festival de Máscaras de Hatillo. Likely this tourist item marks the occasion. So raise a rowdy glass of cheer and enjoy - although you might have to adjust your mask a bit to take a drink. (Bottle and beer can for size reference only.)
Condition: Used Very Good. Food / Beverage Related. Dimensions: 1.5” diameter x 2.4” high (2 fl oz)
