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.
![](https://portobelodigital.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/20/2014/09/Portobelo-Panama-2012-Photo-by-Andrew-Synowiez-624x416.jpg)