Archives



Carlos Chavarria Significance and Meaning of Devil

In this excerpt, Chavarría discusses the significance and meaning of the devil character in the Congo tradition.

September 29, 2023

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.

September 29, 2023

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.

September 29, 2023

Carlos Chavarria Legacy of Celedonio

In this excerpt, Chavarría discusses his mentor Celedonio Molinar’s lasting legacy to the town and to the Congo tradition, including a charge to embrace the tradition with pride and joy.

September 29, 2023

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.

September 29, 2023

Carlos Chavarria Childhood Memories of Congo before the Road

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.

September 29, 2023

Carlos Chavarria Major Devil in the Passion of the Christ

In this excerpt, Chavarría shares a story about what happened when the Major Devil played the starring role in the Passion of Christ.

September 29, 2023

Carlos Chavarria Most Important Things to Know about Congo in Portobelo

In this excerpt, Chavarría responds to the question, “One hundred years in the future when scholars are studying the Congo tradition in Portobelo, what are the most important things that they should know?”

September 29, 2023

Carlos Chavarria Devil Greetings, Baptisms, and Crossing Feet

In this excerpt, Chavarría discusses the way in which hierarchies of Congo Devils greet one another, how they are baptized within the tradition, and the importance of crossing one’s feet and “dancing” in the devil way.

September 29, 2023

Carlos Chavarria Last Performance of Celedonio

In this excerpt, Chavarría discusses his memory of the last time the renowned Celedonio Molinar performed as devil and how his mentor retired in 2003 after being honored at that year’s Festival de los Diablos.

September 29, 2023