Published at: 01/12/2024 08:21 AM

On December 1, 2016, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) declared the Carnival of Callao an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, during the organization's meeting in Addis Abeda, Ethiopia.

For more than 120 years, the Carnival of El Callao has represented the cultural fusion of the Caribbean peoples who arrived there attracted by the gold mines. This festival takes place from January to February, bringing together at least 3,000 people who, at the rhythm of calypso (exclusive to the area), walk through the streets of the town disguised as historical or imaginary characters.

In the celebration, the so-called madamas parade, who wear very colorful and with a large number of necklaces, and wear braided turbans, which have different meanings. They are considered to be carriers and communicators of the cultural values of the community.

There are also the devils, who are adults and children dressed in red, blue or yellow who cover their heads with large masks full of horns, born of popular myths and Creole superstitions, responsible for protecting the troupes. Likewise, there are the middle-aged: young people who amuse those present by greasing those who refuse to give them a drink or a half (25 cents).

In addition, miners who, with their pick, shovel and trough, purify sand from nearby rivers to separate gold granites. In addition, children and adults, too, dress up to celebrate in the troupe.

Mazo News Team