Celedonio Molinar Three Major Devils

In this excerpt, Molinar discusses the current existence of three people who play the role of Major Devil in the Congo tradition even though the official narrative about the tradition only signifies one Major Devil character playing at any one time.

Ileana Solis Palma Ritualized Preparation to Transform into Major Devil

In this excerpt, Solís discusses the ritual process that Celedonio used to prepared to “transform” into the Major Devil character.

Ileana Solis Palma Economy and Violent Embodiment of Devils

In this excerpt, Solís discusses the relationship between the economy and the increasingly violent ways in which younger generations of devils within Congo traditions of Panama embody the character.

Ileana Solis Palma Energy and Magnetism of Celedonio

In this excerpt, Ileana discusses the unique energy and magnetism that made Celedonio Molinar’s embodiment of the devil character within the Congo tradition of Portobelo, Panama so special.

Celedonio Molinar Becoming Major Devil

In this excerpt, Molinar discusses how he came to play the role of Major Devil in Portobelo. And how he reintroduced the practice of “Blessing” or “Baptizing” the Devil.

Simona Esquina Presentations about Congo

In this brief excerpt, Esquina discusses occasions on which the community offers presentations of Congo performance locally as well as abroad and her perception of their response to the tradition.

Celedonio Molinar Escalating Violence

In this short excerpt, Molinar laments some of the escalating violence that he witnessed in the early 21st century.

Simona Esquina Significance of Congo Game and Dance

In this brief excerpt, Esquina discusses the significance of the Congo game and Congo dance including how prominently performing as a primary singer has figured into her life.