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The celebrations of the black mama is performed in honor of the Virgin of Mercy
who appeased the fury of Cotopaxi volcano eruption in 1742 why he was
proclaimed lawyer and patron of the volcano. And swear celebrate an annual
festival in his honor, associating the traditions and cultural and folklore events of
their own communities, why is also known to this event as "The Blessed
Tragedy". In 1948 came an old chronicle reported on a man who wanted to be
Prioste Mayor of the party and when they had got, come on, did not assume the
responsibilities arising from the office, or paid the rights of the church, nor
graced the altars or he gave food and drink to guests. During the night the devil
appeared to him under the guise of a black woman with her child, congratulating
him for failing to comply with the obligations of a good Prioste. This careless man
recounted his experience with the appearance of the devil who would succeed
him in office to organize the next party and these, fearing they organized a great
party with great media and the procession of the Virgin placed between
courtship disguised as a new character who became the principal: a man dressed
black woman dancing on horseback made a doll in her arms.
Black Mama is the central figure of this feast and is riding dressed in rich robes
and colorful compounds typical of large skirts, richly embroidered blouse,
ornaments and beautiful shawls that will change two assistants in every corner of
the course, while a third person carries a briefcase packed with a full range of
colors and patterns of these garments. Horse saddlebags are introduced two
black dolls representing the children of Black Mama in her arms carries the
youngest daughter dance with picaresque making gestures, occasionally Mama
Negra presses a "spark" filled with milk and water wets the gaping spectators.
Black is guided by the black horse Trotafrenos and is carefully selected because
it has to dominate frightened by the enormous bustling crowds, fireworks and
thundering bands.
The Angel of the Star, another leading figure, dressed in white, with large wings
on the back and crown on the head, carrying in his right hand a scepter and rides
a white horse adorned. For a few moments recite praise praise to the Virgin of La
Merced and the Captain. The Angel is certainly a character built by the religious
tradition of the Spanish and represents the Archangel Gabriel who becomes the
protector Mayor Prioste party whose welfare should be kept for a successful
conclusion of the celebration.
El Rey Moro was subsequently incorporated into the original troupe with a
controversial origin. According to some scholars say is a figure of Spanish origin
representing Boadhil, the king who lost Granada and certainly had a black wife,
he joined the party the Eastern tradition. Other scholars argue that this figure
represents Jacho of Tacunga, legendary rulers of these lands, whose dress is
remembered by dresses del Rey Moro.
The Ensign is another important characters parading with his group of soldiers.
Originally he had three flags, the Spanish, the trustees and the rainbow that was
used from remote times by indigenous groups like the Tacunga, Sigchos and
others. Currently only carries the indigenous rainbow flag, Bearer carries with it
the grace and power with a series of movements known as the "thousand
guaraguas". This ceremony has similarities between the Spanish and the native
tradition as exhibitions like this were used by both sides without influences and
similar purposes.
The Captain is the last of the main characters, is dressed in military uniform and
represents the time Prioste Mayor. Parade carrying the sword over his shoulder
leading a small troop of soldiers firing their guns occasionally. This scene may be
related to the authorities who ruled in colonial times, magistrates and mayors.
There are theories that relate to Captain with the command of the army who
helped in the liberation of black slaves.
CEREMONY OF BLACK MAMA
Early in the morning, in a large avenue on the outskirts of Latacunga are already
installed bleachers for the occasion filled with people dressed up in traditional
costumes, it seems as if they descended a cascade of color. On the streets of the
city a real human river moves, while the music and rockets put the note to a
symphony of sound that exceeds the festive atmosphere. It will occur
immediately the first exit of the Black Mama to perform the act of taking
possession of their annual mandate, taking over from its predecessor last year.
The ceremony will be a solemn ceremony in which also involved taking over from
office the other main characters. Auto Sacramental of the Blessed Tragedy Black
Mama begins.
From this moment the parades of the groups are the stars on stage and one after
another march tirelessly dancing to the rhythms that create bands of musicians
who never stop sounding musical instruments. Indigenous communities that
have come from the Andean highlands put the oldest ethnic colorful accent and
schools, associations, clubs, groups, everyone comes dressed in exotic costumes,
masks, costumes and surreal crazy to put their grain of sand in this simpar
carousel of the life. It is impressive to see the existence of this huge theater with
thousands of actors is a real people's theater does generously overflowing its
inherited through centuries of traditions that have survived over time cultural
heritage. History, legends, joys and sufferings of the people that have been
involved are alive and dormant on the big stage in the city of Latacunga. Black
Mama shows us, in a magical ceremony intended to interpret the life of different
peoples, such as the mix of popular expressions is able to create more beautiful
and richer than those from the cultural exclusivism phenomena.