Dancing with Devils: Panama town relives dark colonial history through festival of Devils and Congos

Every year, Panamanian town of Portobelo comes to live and hundreds take to the streets for the Festival of Devils and Congos. The festival uses dramatic imagery and bright colors characteristic of Caribbean celebrations to capture the historic struggle between slaves during the time of colonization. (Pic credit: AP)

It represents the battle between good and evil, where “Congo” characters symbolize self-liberated Black slaves, and “Diablos” (devils) represent the enslaving colonists. The festival serves as a living memory of resistance, channeling the pain and power of the African diaspora through performance. (Pic credit: AP)

Held in the coastal town of Portobelo, nestled between the Caribbean Sea and lush tropical jungles, the setting enhances the vibrant and theatrical nature of the celebration. (Pic credit: AP)

The stars of this celebration are the Congo, who represent self-liberated blacks, and the devils, the enslavers. (Pic credit: AP)

Participants wear elaborate red and black masks that blend symbols of the devil and Spanish colonizers. Enslaved individuals don vibrant colors and are safeguarded by angels in white as they pursue the devils in a dance, ultimately transforming their oppressors for the better. (Pic credit: AP)

“Los Diablos” wear black and red attire, sporting frightening, tooth-filled masks atop their heads, along with several rows of jingling bells attached to their legs. (Pic credit: AP)​

They hop instead of walking, shake whips at passersby and jerk their heads from side to side to keep watch in all directions. (Pic credit: AP)

The drama reaches its climax as the Major Devil finds himself at a disadvantage, losing his mask and whip, undergoing a baptism, and being symbolically sold. (Pic credit: AP)