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.
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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 Congo Participation and Views of Congo before the Road
In this excerpt, Maestro Andrés discusses his participation in the tradition and the negative ways in which some members his parents’ generation, newer community members, and outsiders sometimes viewed the Congo tradition in the early twentieth century prior to the advent of “the road.”
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.”
Sandra Eleta El Festival and Cultural Landscape of Portobelo
In this excerpt, Sandra Eleta discusses the founding of El Festival de las Polleras Congas and its entry onto the cultural landscape in Portobelo.
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 Memories of Congo before the Road
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.
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.