Gustavo Esquina discusses the relationship between Barrio Fino and Congo carnival traditions.
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Andres Jimenez Meaning of Congo
In this excerpt, Maestro Andrés describes the meaning of the Congo tradition and several of its major characters.
Andres Jimenez End of Participation and Changes after the Road
In this excerpt, Maestro Andrés discusses his reasons for no longer participating in the Congo tradition and the changes he has seen in the tradition with the advent of “the road.”
Andres Jimenez Beauty of Congo Tradition in Portobelo
In this excerpt, Maestro Andrés discusses the beauty of the Congo tradition, its relationship to the history of the town and other cultural practices associated with the town. This interview was recorded using a cassette tape. At this point in the recording, the tape appears to have sped up causing distortion.
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.
Andres Jimenez Changes to Devil
In this excerpt, Maestro Andrés discusses the changes he witness in the tradition after the advent of “the road.” He especially focuses on the changes he has seen with respect to the devil character.
Andres Jimenez Childhood Memories
In this excerpt, he discusses his favorite childhood memories of the tradition when the town was more isolated and Congo communities visited each other via boat during carnival season.
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.
Ileana Solis Palma Studying Dance of the Devil
In this excerpt, Solís discusses studying the dance of the devil in 1994 under the tutelage of Celedonio Molinar, legionary Major Devil of Portobelo, Panama and receiving permission from the Congo King and Queen to dress and dance as a devil in 1995.
Ileana Solis Palma One-Person Performance to Celebrate Major Devil Tradition
In this excerpt, Solís discusses the one-person performance that she created through her theater company to celebrate Celedonio and the Major Devil tradition of Portobelo, Panama.