In this excerpt, Esquina discusses the meaning and significance of the Congo tradition to Portobelo.
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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.
Simona Esquina Significance of Congo Name
In this Excerpt, Esquina discusses the significance of her Congo name “Revellin.”
Simona Esquina Differences in Costumes
In this excerpt, Esquina discusses the differences between the costumes of the Congo community of Portobelo and other Congo communities in Panama.
Simona Esquina Memory of Father as Congo King
In this excerpt, Esquina recounts watching her father, Vicente Esquina, get dressed as the Congo King and accompanying him to the palenque/palacio to play Congo. Memories of her father’s participation as king mark some of Esquina’s earliest recollections of the tradition.