THE HEROIC VILLA DE LOS SANTOS CORPUS CHRISTI
OFFICIAL PROGRAM 2016
By Aristides Burgos Villarreal, President of the Association of Dance Rescue “Miguel Leguízamo” organizer of these festivities.
Photography Mario González
SATURDAY MAY 21TH STARTING AT 12 NOON
TRINITY EVE
Appearance of the “Diablo Encuenta’o” (Found Devil). In each corner of the Simón Bolivar Park “Diablicos Sucios” (Dirty Little Devils) appear carrying fireworks and form a large cross that determines the town’s preparation “for everything that lies ahead”. Behind, the “Diablicos Sucios” run through the streets of La Villa.
WEDNESDAY MAY 25TH STARTING AT 11 AM
CORPUS CHRISTI EVE
The “Diabla” or “Diablesa” (Woman Devil or Deviless), wife of the “Diablo Mayor” (Oldest Devil), makes his or her appearance, announcing the “Crazing” of the Sun. The forces of evil are made powerful by the world in this moment and that’s why the sun “crazes”. It divides into four parts: one part the “Diablo Mayor” (Oldest Devil), one part the “Diablo Capitán” (Captain Devil), one part “Diablo Caracolito” (Little Snail Devil), and one part “Diabla” or “Diablesa” (The Woman Devil or Deviless).
This means that the devils dominate the earth and the stars. To demonstrate their might they ignite fireworks and bombs. A devil pact will be signed, symbolizing total world domination, on behalf of the demons.
The “Diablicos Limpios” dance (clean devils’ dance) or “Gran Diablo” (Great Devil) are set loose, running through the streets of La Villa.
THURSDAY MAY 26TH
CORPUS CHRISTI DAY
At 4 pm everyone goes out in search of “El Torito” (the little bull), hidden in the outskirts of the village. “El Torito” is found and then runs through the streets of the village announcing that it is the great day of Corpus Christi.
At 10 the “Solemne” (Solemn) and traditional Corpus Christi Mass is officiated in the Iglesia Colonial San Atanasio (Colonial Church San Atanasio).
The Corpus Christi Mass starts with the oldest and most significant dance ceremony: “The Dance of the Great Devil”. The “Diablo Mayor” (Oldest Devil) asks for permission from the Angel San Miguel to enter the Church. From there, each one of the traditional dances of Corpus Christi make their entrance to the church.
At 12 noon is the Solemn Procession of Corpus Christi, with the participation of the dances. The Holy Sacrament of the alter is represented by the Divine Custody, and goes out into the streets to calm the evil and establish supremacy of triumph of good over evil. Different altars will be made available in residences to which the Holy Sacrament visits accompanied by the dances passing by the picturesque floral rugs.
At 1 pm the Dances of Corpus Christi route will begin in different locations of the Santeño town.
THURSDAY JUNE 2TH
DAY OF THE OCTAVE
At 4 pm there is a Children’s Dance Parade and different folkloric presentations in the Presentation Platform starting at 7 pm.
FRIDAY JUNE 3TH
DAY OF THE HEAR OF JESUS
At 4 pm there are dances in the village and at 5 pm there is the “Gran Hora Cero” (Great Zero Hour) of the Santanian Devil, where the dances of the Dirty Devils are joined to Dance in the Zero Hour.
SATURDAY JUNE 4TH
DAY DEDICATED TO TOURISM
At 10 there is a Presentation of the Corpus Christi Dances and Invited Dances.
At 5 pm is the MONUMENTAL PARADE OF FOLKLORIC DANCES OF THE ENTIRE REPUBLIC OF PANAMA.
SUNDAY JUNE 5TH
DAY DEDICATED TO THE SANTANIAN WOMAN
At 4 am the village wakes and goes in search of The Cow since this is the day dedicated to the female gender.
At 1 pm the Women’s Dance is performed.
At 4 pm there is the act of the TRIBUTE OF THE SANTANIAN WOMAN.
