Ileana Solis Palma Enchantment at Seeing Celedonio

In this excerpt, Solís discusses the enchantment she felt the first time that she witnessed Celedonio Molinar performing the role of Major Devil, the baptism of the devils, and how she learned about the performance traditions of Portobelo, Panama.

Raul Orlando Jimenez Delgado The Pujido

In this excerpt, Jiménez describes the “pujido”/”grunt” that the devil character uses to build internal energy and externalize it. He then discusses his interpretation of its relationship to the occult and a potential existential compromise.

Celedonio Molinar Symbolic Baptism of Major Devil

In this excerpt, Molinar shares his experience of being symbolically blessed or “baptized” as the Major Devil character. Just as the “pujido” or “grunt” helps to amplify internal energy, the process of being symbolically baptized helps to abate energy.

Simona Esquina Tourism Reviving Congo Tradition

In this short excerpt, Esquina talks about the ways in which tourism is reviving aspects of the Congo tradition in Portobelo.

Simona Esquina Changes to the Role of the Princess

In this excerpt, Esquina discusses the changes she has seen in the Congo tradition over the course of her lifetime. Specifically, she talks about the role that the princess character once played.

Simona Esquina Memory of Mother Dancing

In this excerpt, Esquina shares one of her fondest childhood memories, the one and only time that her mother danced in the Congo tradition.

Simona Esquina Meaning and Significance of Congo in Portobelo

In this excerpt, Esquina discusses the meaning and significance of the Congo tradition to Portobelo.

Simona Esquina Changes to the Role of the King

In this excerpt, Esquina discusses the changes she has seen in the Congo tradition over the course of her lifetime. Specifically, she talks about the ways in which the king’s role has diminished since her father once played it.