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 officially 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.

Listen to the full interview

Interview Details

Interviewee: Carlos Chavarría
Interviewer: Renee Alexander Craft
Date of Interview: July 2013
Location of Interview: On the front porch of his family home in Portobelo, Panama
Interview Transcribed By: Gustavo Esquina
English Translation By: Oronike Odeleye
Audio link: https://soundcloud.com/digitalportobelo/carlos_chavarria_2013
Download the Transcript: English Transcript | Spanish Transcript