Biography: Andrés Jiménez was a retired teacher born and raised in Portobelo. At the time of this interview, he was 69 years old. In addition to having witnessed the Congo tradition of Portobleo since childhood, he participated in the role of priest at one time. His son, Raúl Jiménez, has participated in the role of Major Devil. Early in her 2003 field research, Alexander Craft visited Maestro Andrés at the restaurant attached to his home twice weekly for the first six weeks for Spanish lessons. As an extension of the lessons, Jiménez allowed her the opportunity to interview him about the Congo tradition.
Excerpt Description: In this excerpt, Maestro Andrés discusses the impact of tourism on the tradition, including the monetization of various aspects and changes in costuming. In describing the current tradition, he references the impact of the "the road" on the town. At this point in the recording, the tape appears to have sped up causing distortion.
Entire Interview: Listen to the full interview and read the transcript.
Interviewer: Renee Alexander Craft
Secondary Interviewer: n/a
Date of Interview: 26-Feb-03
Interview Location: On the front porch of Andrés Jiménez' family restaurant in Portobelo, Panama
Interview Transcribed By: Gustavo Esquina, Oronike Odeleye
English Translation By: Oronike Odeleye
Ethnoracial Identity Discussed: Afrocolonial, Afrodescendiente, La Raza Negra
Cultural Identity: Congo
Location Mentioned: Portobelo, Panama
Congo Spaces:
Congo Characters: Congo King/ Juan de Dioso, Congo Queen/ Merced, Congos, Devils and Devil Tradition, El Pajarito/ The Messenger, Major Devil
Congo Tradition Mentioned: Congo culture, Congo drama, Congo embodiment, Congo game, Devil embodiment, Tourist presentations
Cultural Organization: IPAT (Autoridad del Turismo en Panama)/ Panama Tourism Authority
Themes Mentioned: Before "the road", Congo community, Cultural change, Tourism
Cultural Festivals: N/A
People Mentioned: N/A
Time Period Mentioned: 1964-1979, 1980-1988, 1989-2003, 2004-present
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Timestamp: 00:18:42.0-00:23:18.0
Photo by: Renee Alexander Craft