The festival of Diablos and Congos in Panama is celebrated by the Afro-Panamanian community, with great music and devil dances for remembering their legendry victory of good over the evil.

Diablos and Congos festival have been influenced and originated through the African culture, which represents their glorification over the European masters. To celebrate the hardships of the enslaved black, the people play their traditional music and perform devil dances, which is similar to the modern Congos dance. It is celebrated in the city of Portobelo in Colon, after every two years. The event is normally held in the Fort of San Jeronimo.

Portobelo is the most identifiable colonial black province of Panama, which has evolved as one of the most prominent tourist attractions and mainstays of Panama tourism industry. Most of the tourists visit this place during the Diablos and Congos festival. The preparations and booking of the place at the Fort for the visitors has to be done well in advance. Thousands of tourists all over the world attain this festival to enjoy this lively festival.

Many local performers participate in the good against evil shows and add more number of visitors to the Portobelo’s historical recreation festival. The spectacular ritualistic songs and dances feature Spanish tormentor and African slaves who return to life. The Spanish slave drivers represent the devil, usually in a menacing red mask dancing on the drums and musical beats. The dance also shows the tricks invented by the slaves to accomplish freedom.

Diablos and Congos is the most colorful and unique manifestation folklore of Panama, which is expressed with immense visual effects and outrageous costumes. The tradition is passed from generation to generation.