IMAGE: DEVILS

This traditional local event is held in Portobelo annually on Ash Wednesday this day.

At 4pm we heading into the town square, joined by all the local families to watch the Devil V Congos event.

The Congos were mainly young people, with blackout faces sandshoes, long sox, all the backpack with various animals, hats and caps and dark glasses, all constantly blowing whistles. It appeared that their role was to goad the devils to chase them. It was all rather chaotic with action happening a various areas around the central field and surrounding streets.

The Devils had outstanding masks and body suits and shoe coverings. All the devils had whips - which they cracked around catching the legs of the Congos.

A drumming band played, and the local ladies sang traditional songs and danced in turn at the front of the band. A few of the ladies had wonderful brightly coloured full skirts and flowers in their hair.

There was also a group of Christians - men all dressed head to toe in white cassocks carrying crosses and gathered together with a long rope - which they used to 'capture' various devils. At nightfall several smoke flares, red flares and lighted hairsprays cans lit up the field around the devils - all adding to the theatre and drama of the event.

It was great to luck-out to be here on the right day to see this display.