El Carnaval del Diablo
El Carnaval del Diablol is one of Colombia's most beautiful celebrations, drawing numerous national and international visitors to the municipality of Riosucio in the department of Caldas. The carnival is also part of the nation's oral, cultural, and intangible heritage. With time, this turned into a joyous, humorous, and entertaining gathering. The figure of the devil was chosen as the festivity's effigy in the year 1915.
It is said that this carnival, like that of the Pasto Blacks and Whites, began on a day off (January 5) granted by the Spanish crown to the slaves, who gave free rein to their African traditions and dances with Matachinesque performances consisting of killing the snake that symbolized wisdom and the idea was to seize it. The indigenous people then joined in the festivities, paying homage to the Virgen de la Chicha, subsequently known as the Virgen de la Candelaria. The Spaniards were not far behind, and they arrived at horseback in large quantities to commemorate Three Kings' Day.
El Carnaval del Diablo that is divided into five chapters: The "Decrees", The "Treat", The "Entrance of the Devil", The "Crews":, The "Testament": As a result, in Riosucio, the carnival is always mentioned as a state of the soul that gives the town its identity and character. It is a tremendous moment of liberty, where people celebrate freedom in all of its manifestations.
Dates: 2 January - 12 January
