Nenhum número escolhido ainda
Ester Cecilia Montepeque Berthet
COUNTRY
Venezuela
COSTUME
The Dancing Devils of Yare
Costume Provided by
Lila Sequera
The Dancing Devils of Yare is a Venezuelan religious festival with a history spanning over 400 years, making it one of Venezuela’s most cherished traditions.
This vibrant celebration takes place in San Francisco de Yare, a city nestled in the northern region of Venezuela, just 80 kilometers south of Caracas. It embodies a profound message: “Good triumphs over evil,” weaving together indigenous, Spanish, and African cultural influences.
But who exactly are the Dancing Devils? Known as “promeseros,” these dedicated dancers don striking all-red attire, adorned with grotesque masks and embellishments like crosses, amulets, and rosaries. They take to the streets, executing rhythmic dances through spirited footwork and swirling movements, accompanied by the lively sounds of percussion, maracas, and string instruments.
Parade-goers join in, using rattles, bells, handkerchiefs, and ribbons to ward off malevolent spirits. As the event culminates, the symbolic victory of good over evil unfolds. The devil’s masks fall to the ground in the presence of Jesus, signifying their inability to overcome Him. In an act of humility, the devils kneel before the Son of God, sealing the theme of triumphant faith and unity.
The Diablos Danzantes de Yare boast origins dating back centuries. Though no single origin story has been definitively confirmed, a prevalent tale from the 16th century recounts a priest’s ingenious response to a lack of resources for a Corpus Christi procession. Faced with adversity, the priest invoked the devils, leading to a remarkable moment when storm clouds gathered, lightning struck, and the devils descended upon the church of San Francisco de Yare. This legendary event forever imprinted the Dancing Devils as a powerful reminder of a time when darkness briefly encroached upon the sanctity of the church.
This tradition, deeply rooted in creativity, organization, and unwavering faith, fosters a profound sense of community and cultural identity among its participants.
