Costa Rica indigenous festival begins

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Published on Thursday, January 23, 2025

By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

The Rey Curré indigenous community in Buenos Aires Canton, Puntarenas Province, will host its traditional "Juego de Los Diablitos" (The Little Devils Game) from Jan. 30 to Feb. 2, announced the Ministry of Culture.

Recognized as part of Costa Rica’s cultural heritage since 2017, the event is organized by the Rey Curré Indigenous Development Association. The ritual, an ancestral tradition, symbolizes the Borucan people's resistance against Spanish colonizers during the 16th century, according to a statement from the ministry.

The three-day festival, which has been celebrated for 500 years, invites the public to experience its unique traditions.

The festivities commence on Thursday, Jan. 30, with "La Nacencia" at midnight. During this ritual, young participants don zoomorphic and anthropomorphic wooden masks, representing devils, and cover themselves with bags. The little devils gather silently on a hill near the town, setting off firecrackers at midnight to signal the start of the celebrations.

Led by their chiefs, or major devils, the group dances down the hill into the town, where residents join in playing music, eating tamales made of rice, and drinking chicha, a traditional corn-based alcoholic beverage. The dancing continues until dawn.

On Friday, Jan. 31, the first game pits the little devils against a symbolic wooden bull, representing their greatest adversary. The bull charges as the devils scatter and regroup, engaging in a lively and symbolic battle. The day concludes with music, dancing, and food.

On Saturday, Feb. 1, more participants join the bull game, escalating the excitement. Festivities again wrap up with food, music, and dancing.

On Sunday, Feb. 2, the final day features "La Tumbazón" (The Falling). The bull ultimately defeats the devils and escapes into the forest. However, the devils track it down, tie it up, and bring it back to the town square, where they symbolically slay it. The festival ends with a community-wide celebration of music, dance, and food.

Those interested in attending can make reservations through the Rey Curré Indigenous Development Association by emailing adicurre@gmail.com or calling +506-8709-3735 (Spanish only).

Organizers also provide bus transportation from Buenos Aires to the Rey Curré community.

The Ministry of Culture is the government agency responsible for preserving Costa Rican identity through the promotion and preservation of the arts, both nationally and internationally.

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Have you ever visited the indigenous territories of Rey Curré? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com