In the Pampa the Devils are roaming loose. Dancing Devils in the Feast of the Shrine of La Tirana

Authors

  • Alberto Díaz Araya Universidad de Talca); Universidad de Tarapacá

Abstract

The article deals with those dancers clad as devils in the feast of La Tirana who are known locally as loose devils. Both the ethnohistoric components and the symbolic universe of their attributes as dancers are studied. Social, cultural and musical data about the devils are presented. The autonomy of the dancers is outlined as their main feature as they do not belong to any of the religious groups attending the feast at this important shrine in Northern Chile.

Keywords:

loose devils, dances, La Tirana, Northern Chile