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 discusses the ways in which the Major Devil character has changed over his lifetime. He focuses particularly on his choice to follow his mentor's example by wearing a smaller mask and discusses the value of smaller masks in relationship to the value of larger ones, which many younger devils choose to wear.
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: Devils and Devil Tradition, Major Devil
Congo Tradition Mentioned: Masks and Costumes
Cultural Organization: Congos
Themes Mentioned: Community, Congo tradition, Devil character, Major Devil
Cultural Festivals: Festival de los Diablos
People Mentioned: Danny Esquina (brother of Gustavo)
Time Period Mentioned: N/A
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Timestamp: 00:09:55.5-00:15:01.7
Photo by: Elaine Eversley