Boruca: Cultural Heritage

The cultural heritage of a nation or region is not solely composed of monuments and museum collections, but also of living intangible expressions inherited from our ancestors and passed on to our descendants. The definition of intangible cultural heritage (ICH) encompasses oral traditions, performing arts, social practices, rituals, festive events, knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe, as well as traditional craftsmanship knowledge and techniques.

On December 14, 2017, the indigenous Borucan and Rey Curre festival, "The Dance of the Diablitos" (little devils), was recognized by the National Commission of Intangible Cultural Heritage (CONAPACI) and signed by President Luis Guillermo Solis, marking the festival as a hallmark of Costa Rican identity.

Melvin González Rojas (Kamel), a member of the Boruca community and the Heritage Commission of these indigenous people, commented: "Our community has many years to preserve this legacy that our grandparents left us, so it is up to us young people to pass it on to the new generations. This declaration serves to reinforce the work we are doing, to give us strength at opportune moments, as the Dance of the Devils is undergoing a critical cultural shift. Our older members are no longer with us, having passed away in the last two or three years.

There are already successors who, until this year, will take the baton of this practice as Elder Devils or leaders who undertake the tradition. Hence, this declaration allows us to protect our culture, tradition, meals, dances, and safeguard our immaterial and spiritual practices." The history of the Borucan 'Diablito' masks began over 500 years ago, when they were created with the intent to scare off unwelcome invaders, the Spanish conquistadors.

The Borucan people were triumphant. Traditionally, the village celebrates its victory with what they call the "Danza de los Diablitos" from December 30 to January 2.

By Susie Atkinson

CONTACT: Susie Atkinson – Boruca Gallery Gift Shop

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