VENEZUELA: 'Devils' come out and run amok in the annual Corpus Christi celebration

Record ID: 862245

  • Title: VENEZUELA: 'Devils' come out and run amok in the annual Corpus Christi celebration
  • Date: 25th May 2008
  • Summary: NAIGUATA, VENEZUELA (MAY 21, 2008) (REUTERS) GENERAL VIEW OF TOWN VARIOUS OF PEOPLE PREPARING FOR PROCESSION ON MOUNTAIN VARIOUS OF PEOPLE DRESSED AS DEVILS PRACTICING THEIR DANCES FOR PROCESSION (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) PERFORMER ÁNGEL PEREZ, SAYING: "This is colourful religion, each rope has its meaning, its crosses, its masks, a belt -- the belt is the blessing on sainthood." VARIOUS OF DEVILS DANCING FOR CROWD PROCESSION LEADER PLAYING TAMBOURINE VARIOUS OF DEVILS DANCING (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) DEVIL PERFORMER ROBERTO IZAQUIRRE, SAYING: "In written history, the dancing of the devils started back in 1672, and is now in its 335th year. But according to the old people in town that have now passed, it is even older." VARIOUS OF CHILDREN DRESSED AS DEVILS DANCING VARIOUS OF DEVILS ON THEIR KNEES CRAWLING TOWARDS CHURCH
  • Embargoed: 9th June 2008 13:00
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  • Topics: Arts / Culture / Entertainment / Showbiz,Religion
  • Reuters ID: LVA9DM7YWY8INIZDZI7BVTSZVIEJ
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  • Story Text: With scary masks and wild hand-made costumes, performers playing the devil descended on the Venezuelan town of Naiguata on Wednesday (May 21) for the annual procession of Corpus Christi.
    The celebration has its roots in indigenous traditions, but these things have become entwined with Christianity and the final destination of the devils is the Catholic Church.
    Festivities of this kind are seen throughout Venezuela on May 21 each year. Naiguata -- located in the Venezuelan coastal state of Vargas -- is unique for allowing women to also perform as the devils.

    "This is colourful religion, each rope has its meaning, its crosses, its masks, a belt -- the belt is the blessing on sainthood,"
    said one performer Ángel Perez.
    The circles, stripes and crosses on their costumes are standard-wear, while their masks are all inspired by terrifying sea creatures.
    Locals say the tradition is over three and half centuries old.

    "In written history, the dancing of the devils started back in 1672, and is now in its 335th year. But according to the old people in town that have now passed, it is even older," said Roberto Izaquirre, who played the largest devil in this year's procession.
    While the devils run amok outside, the rest of the town renews their Christian faith in a special mass.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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