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Full-Text Articles in Latin American Languages and Societies
The Festival Of The Mejorana In Panama; The Spirit Of Competition As Connected With National Pride, Elizabeth Rhodes
The Festival Of The Mejorana In Panama; The Spirit Of Competition As Connected With National Pride, Elizabeth Rhodes
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In the Republic of Panama, the Festival of the Mejorana is an event that takes place each year allowing for musicians and dancers from across the country to gather and celebrate as well as compete. The idea of competition provides a platform to discuss commonalities among the performers as well as their differences. This presentation will highlight the national pride of Panamanian folkloric performers as associated with a specific, annual festival venue.
Black Indians, Zulus And Congos; Transformation And Transference Of Community Traditions In New Orleans And Panama, Elizabeth Rhodes
Black Indians, Zulus And Congos; Transformation And Transference Of Community Traditions In New Orleans And Panama, Elizabeth Rhodes
Textual Resources
This paper is a comparative study of three traditions that reflect the African diaspora: the Zulus of New Orleans, the black Indians of New Orleans and the Congo ritual of Panama. In all practices, the participant is transformed from citizen/worker/family member into an empowered being whose role is intricately connected to the reinforcement of cultural and community ties. In addition to presenting an overview of each tradition, I will discuss shared themes, parallel characterization, approaches to masking and comment on the interest of established practitioners to transfer their talents and histories to younger members of the community.
Where Africa Meets Europe: Afro-Colonial Influences As Seen In The Tradition Of The Mirrored Devils Of Panama, Elizabeth Rhodes
Where Africa Meets Europe: Afro-Colonial Influences As Seen In The Tradition Of The Mirrored Devils Of Panama, Elizabeth Rhodes
Textual Resources
The Republic of Panama is rich with folklore traditions which include as many different kinds of devils as there are provinces. Diablos sucios (dirty devils) and grandiablos (grand devils) can be seen in festivals across the country. Less visible are the diablos de espejo, or devils of the mirrors, which dance each year in the village of Escobal for the celebration of Corpus Christi. The dance movement performed throughout the day and the culminating drama which occurs in the local Catholic church at the end of day demonstrate a clear melding of African and Spanish colonial influences.