Archives



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 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 Involvement in Local Politics

In this excerpt, Chavarria talks about his history of involvement in local politics and offers his unique perspective as Major Devil in the Congo tradition and Mayor of Portobelo district. The district includes: Isla Grande, Juan Gallego, La Guaira, Puerto Lindo o Garrote, Cacique, Jose Pobre, Valle Estilla, San Antonio, Nuevo Tonosi, Portobelo, La Escucha, Buenaventura, Guanche, Mechi, Alto de la Cruz, Playa Langosta, Rio Piedra, María Chiquita, Las Mercedes y Las Merceditas.

September 29, 2023

Carlos Chavarria Becoming Major Devil

In this excerpt, Chavarría discusses the process by which he became Major Devil in the Congo tradition of Portobelo, Panama.

September 29, 2023

Carlos Chavarria Style of Devil

In this excerpt, Chavarría discusses his particular style of “Devil” embodiment within the Congo tradition and the way others perceive of his performance. He also talks about the respect devils from outside of the community give to the devil of the town they are visiting. Each visiting devil must submit to the rules of the game as practiced by the local community.

September 29, 2023

Carlos Chavarria Choosing to Play the Devil

In this excerpt, Chavarría talks about his choice to play the devil role in the Congo tradition and shares his memories of how he came to play the role for the first time as a school-aged boy.

September 29, 2023

Carlos Chavarria Devil’s Mask

In this excerpt, Chavarría discusses the ways in which the Devil’s mask initially captured his attention and the double perspective/participant-observer position that it provides.

September 29, 2023

Carlos Chavarria Changes to the Major Devil

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.

September 29, 2023

Carlos Chavarria Future Retirement as Major Devil

In this excerpt, Chavarría discusses how he imagines retiring as Major Devil.

September 29, 2023