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Tilcara Carnival

Carnival is further evidence of pagan/Catholic cross breeding. The celebrations here begin with the unearthing of a small devil-effigy from its rocky lair, which is decorated with cornhusks and flowers as symbols of fertility. Offerings of cigarettes and alcohol are made to the earth at this time to ensure good crops. Villagers light firecrackers to provoke the devil, and once the doll appears, several boys dressed as "El diablo" toss it around to nearby revelers, and followed by a band, lead a dancing procession through the streets. The congregation ends at the town hall, where music and dancing continue until the wee hours.

The celebration is a chance for villagers to thank Pacha (the Earth) for all it has given, and is also an excuse to go a little crazy. It is said that the devil possesses the souls of people during Carnival, and it is at this time that the normally shy people of Northern Argentina shower each other with confetti, talc, water and foam and maybe have a bit too much plum wine.

Nine days of partying later, the festival ends with nine offerings to Pachamama (one for each day of the festivities) and the devil is once again buried back in his hole and covered safely with rocks until next year.


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