In this excerpt, Sandra Eleta discusses the founding of El Festival de las Polleras Congas and its entry onto the cultural landscape in Portobelo.
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Sandra Eleta Development of La Casa de la Cultura Congo
In this excerpt, Sandra Eleta discusses the development of La Casa de la Cultura Congo and her hopes that it will serve as a cultural repository.
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.
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 Founding of El Festival de los Diablos y Congos
In this excerpt, Sandra Eleta discusses the founding of a recent cultural innovation, “El Festival de los Diablos y Congos.”
Andres Jimenez Impact of Tourism
In this excerpt, Maestro Andrés discusses the impact of tourism on the tradition, including the monetization of various aspects and changes in costuming. In describing the current tradition, he references the impact of the “the road” on the town. At this point in the recording, the tape appears to have sped up causing distortion.