In this excerpt, Maestro Andrés discusses his reasons for no longer participating in the Congo tradition and the changes he has seen in the tradition with the advent of “the road.”
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Carlos Chavarria Significance and Meaning of Devil
In this excerpt, Chavarría discusses the significance and meaning of the devil character in the Congo tradition.
Carlos Chavarria Memories of Congo before the Road
In this excerpt, Chavarría shares memories about how the Congo tradition of Portobelo was enacted before “the road” opened up the town to the broader community. Then, Congo carnival was a intimate community celebration in which everyone participated.
Andres Jimenez Childhood Memories
In this excerpt, he discusses his favorite childhood memories of the tradition when the town was more isolated and Congo communities visited each other via boat during carnival season.
Andres Jimenez Impact of Tourism
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.
Carlos Chavarria Meaning and Purpose of Congo Tradition
In this excerpt, Chavarría discusses the meaning and purpose of the Congo tradition as well as a recent opportunity to talk about the Portobelo Congo tradition with a colleague from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Ileana Solis Palma Studying Dance of the Devil
In this excerpt, Solís discusses studying the dance of the devil in 1994 under the tutelage of Celedonio Molinar, legionary Major Devil of Portobelo, Panama and receiving permission from the Congo King and Queen to dress and dance as a devil in 1995.
Ileana Solis Palma One-Person Performance to Celebrate Major Devil Tradition
In this excerpt, Solís discusses the one-person performance that she created through her theater company to celebrate Celedonio and the Major Devil tradition of Portobelo, Panama.
Carlos Chavarria Future Retirement as Major Devil
In this excerpt, Chavarría discusses how he imagines retiring as Major Devil.
Carlos Chavarria Importance of Congo for Community Pride
In this excerpt, Chavarría talks about the importance of the Congo tradition and Congo dance to the community’s sense of pride and self. He urges young people to maintain the power of their traditions and to stay anchored to their sense of “place” and home.