Biography: Portobelo-native, Carlos Chavarría, has played the role of Major Devil in the Congo tradition of Portobelo, Panama since 1980 when his mentor, the renowned Major Devil Celedonio Molinar, initially retired. Except for the years he spent studying abroad in Russia (1982-1986), Chavarría has continued in the role -- often playing alongside his mentor for over a decade until Molinar offically retired in 2003. In 2004, Chavarría was elected mayor of the district of Portobelo. As such, he has a unique perspective on the cultural, political, and touristic importance of the Congo tradition to the community as well as the nation. As a long-standing Major Devil, he also has an important perspective on the meaning, purpose, and transformations of the role.
Excerpt Description: In this excerpt, Chavarría shares childhood memories about how the Congo tradition was enacted before "the road." In the "closed" community people did not work during carnival season, pooled resources, shared food, and communed together for several days as part of their celebration.
Entire Interview: Listen to the full interview and read the transcript.
Interviewer: Renee Alexander Craft
Secondary Interviewer: n/a
Date of Interview: Jul-13
Interview Location: On the front porch of his family home in Portobelo, Panama
Interview Transcribed By: Gustavo Esquina
English Translation By: Oronike Odeleye
Ethnoracial Identity Discussed: Afro-Colonial, Afrodescendiente
Cultural Identity: Congo
Location Mentioned: Portobelo, Panama
Congo Spaces:
Congo Characters: Congos
Congo Tradition Mentioned: Congo culture
Cultural Organization: Congo
Themes Mentioned: Before "the road", Community, Congo tradition
Cultural Festivals: N/A
People Mentioned: Florentina (Carlos' grandmother)
Time Period Mentioned: 1947-1963, 1964-1979
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Timestamp: 00:46:45.8-00:48:10.8
Photo by: Andrew Synowiez