Thousands of dancing devils take over Andean town
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E-mail CNTV, January 9, 2014
Thousands of dancing devils take over a town in the Andean mountains each year in a UNESCO recognised festival. La Diablada de Pillaro has its roots in the indigenous communities of Ecuador, protesting against Spanish rule and the authority of the Catholic church.
Speaking of the devil, this diablo - or dancing devil - is one of thousands in the town of Pillaro, located 3,000 metres above sea level. Every year the town hosts the Diablada de Pillaro, recognised by UNESCO as a festival of important cultural heritage. The ritual began when indigenous people first dressed up as devils to encourage uprisings against the Spanish.
"The diablos are saying that the memory of their people is still alive. And in the anonymity of that costume they are owners of that space and of that time, that is the meaning of the fiesta for us. It's a ritual of reclaiming what was ours," said Nestor Bonilla, a diablo dancer.
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People celebrate La Diablada de Pillaro in Ecuador. The ritual began when indigenous people first dressed up as devils to encourage uprisings against the Spanish. |
When the dancers arrive in Pillaro, the real festival can begin, and crowds line the street to watch.
There have been many months of preparation leading up to the festival. Edison Guachamin is a skilled mask-maker who leads dance groups specialising in traditional Andean dance. He uses real horns and teeth from animals, and pages torn from the telephone directory to make moulds.
"There are people who come and say I want the ugliest mask, one that really terrifies people, so then we make something that will create a more horrifying spectacle," Guachamin said.
Mask-maker Marco Antonio Callamara creates elaborate masks that look like they could grace the cover of a heavy metal album. His masks feature pigs' ears and often have a cheeky element to them, like this mini diablo sitting on the crown and holding a stuffed toad, which takes Callamara at least two mounths to make.
Back in Pillaro, the festival is still in full swing, as the diablos tour the town to the music of brass bands.
The festival, which lasts for six days, is held in early January every year.
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