In this brief excerpt, Sandra Eleta talks about Arturo Lindsay and the founding of Taller Portobelo as a workshop for the Congo artists.
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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.
Sandra Eleta Memories of Photographing Children
In this excerpt, Sandra Eleta shares memories of the first children and community members she chose to photograph.
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.
Carlos Chavarria Significance and Meaning of Devil
In this excerpt, Chavarría discusses the significance and meaning of the devil character in the Congo tradition.
Carlos Chavarria Future Retirement as Major Devil
In this excerpt, Chavarría discusses how he imagines retiring as Major Devil.
Carlos Chavarria Legacy of Celedonio
In this excerpt, Chavarría discusses his mentor Celedonio Molinar’s lasting legacy to the town and to the Congo tradition, including a charge to embrace the tradition with pride and joy.
Carlos Chavarria Importance of Congo for Community Pride
In this excerpt, Chavarría talks about the importance of the Congo tradition and Congo dance to the community’s sense of pride and self. He urges young people to maintain the power of their traditions and to stay anchored to their sense of “place” and home.
Carlos Chavarria Childhood Memories of Congo before the Road
In this excerpt, Chavarría shares childhood memories about how the Congo tradition was enacted before “the road.” In the “closed” community people did not work during carnival season, pooled resources, shared food, and communed together for several days as part of their celebration.
Carlos Chavarria Most Important Things to Know about Congo in Portobelo
In this excerpt, Chavarría responds to the question, “One hundred years in the future when scholars are studying the Congo tradition in Portobelo, what are the most important things that they should know?”