In this excerpt, Maestro Andrés describes the meaning of the Congo tradition and several of its major characters.
Archives
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.
Barrio Fino Heraldo y Abdiel y Eric Outlet for Community Members
Eric Blanquicet and Heraldo Eucebio De Hoyos discuss the ways in which the desire to create something positive in the community — that allows community members additional outlets for their time and talent — is their chief motivation for participating in Comparsa Barrio Fino.
Barrio Fino Heraldo y Abdiel y Eric Relationship to La Escuelita Del Ritmo
Abdiel Valdez discusses the relationship between Barrio Fino and the Music School/ La Escuelita Del Ritmo.
Barrio Fino Heraldo y Abdiel y Eric Relationship to Congo Carnival
Heraldo Eucebio De Hoyos, Abdiel Valdez, and Eric Blanquicet discuss the relationship between Barrio Fino and Congo carnival.
Barrio Fino Heraldo y Abdiel y Eric Long Term Goals
Abdiel Valdez shares some of the long-term goals of Barrio Fino, which include using participation in the group to help members become stronger musicians by expanding their skill set and gaining greater tools for cultural expression.
Barrio Fino Heraldo y Abdiel y Eric Favorite Memory
Heraldo Eucebio De Hoyos, Abdiel Valdez, and Eric Blanquicet discuss their favorite Barrio Fino memory or activity. All talk about the magic of their first public performance. In responding, Heraldo gives the spectrum of Portobelo personalities active with the group to illustrate how thoroughly it represents a broad spectrum of Portobelo culture and embodies the spirit of the community.
Sandra Eleta Arturo Lindsay and Taller Portobelo
In this brief excerpt, Sandra Eleta talks about Arturo Lindsay and the founding of Taller Portobelo as a workshop for the Congo artists.
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.
Carlos Chavarria Significance and Meaning of Devil
In this excerpt, Chavarría discusses the significance and meaning of the devil character in the Congo tradition.