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Tilcara Carnival 2025 in Argentina

Dressed as devils, men glorify Mother Earth—an unusual festival, isn't it?

Dates: February 20–March 9, 2025

Every year, the northwest of Argentina celebrates the Carnival of the Devil (Diablos Festivos) to glorify Mother Earth. The tradition stems from a centuries-old belief that the devil symbolizes the red sun, which fertilizes the soil. For the Carnival, hundreds of men dress up as devils, singing and dancing down a hillside to the drum rhythms, as well as performing ancient rituals. Their costumes are made of sparkles, beads, bells, and feathers. The main attribute is a fancy devil mask.

How the Carnival Starts

The event takes place in Tilcara–a city located in the center of the Quebrada de Humahuaca in Jujuy Province. Traditionally, the Carnival takes place between late February and early March. The action starts with the morning ceremony of “unearthing the carnival.” All participants move to a magical place—a cluster of rocks known as Mojón carrying Pu Jillay (a devil effigy), passing it from hand to hand and throwing it into the air with shouts of euphoria.

Rituals

The devil is a symbol of fertilizing or propagating Pacha Mama (Mother Earth). People dig and unearth the devil, dance and sing, make barbeque, and put food, coca leaves, cigarettes, flowers, and so on in the hole dug as offerings to Mother Earth. After this ceremony, men march the town's streets, singing songs and dancing. Only men participate in this part of the Carnival. The "devils" can't reveal who they are and have to wear masks throughout the festivities.

The End of the Carnival

The carnival proceeds with merriments over nine days until the burial of the devil doll. It all ends at the same place where it started—the devil is newly buried, along with offerings to remain in the earth till the next year's celebration.

2025's Program

The Carnival 2025 celebrations in Tilcara, Jujuy, promise vibrant festivities steeped in tradition, with various comparsas (parade groups) hosting lively events. Here's a glimpse of the program.

Thursday of Compadres (February 20, 2025)

Comparsa Little But Crazy: Festivities begin with lunch at their lounge at 12:00 PM, followed by the ceremonial chayada del mojón along the Huasamayo River at 2 pm.

The Tilcara Compadres Comparsa and Fun Bridge Group Comparsa: Both host 12 pm lunch gatherings in their respective lounges, followed by their boundary marker rituals.

Malka's Merry Parade: Starting at 10 am, godchildren are welcomed in the central square, followed by the mojón chayada in the Upper Malka neighborhood. A communal lunch and popular dance will take place at 1 pm in the Municipal Tinglado.

Unearthing of the Bandeño Carnival (February 26, 2025)

The Union Alegre Band Comparsa organizes a carnival burial and popular dance at 6 pm.

Thursday of Comadres (February 27, 2025)

Similar to Compadres Day, Comparsa Little But Crazy hosts a 12 pm lunch and a 2 pm chayada del mojón. The Capricious Ones Comparsa and other groups follow with lunch and rituals. Malka's Merry Parade mirrors its Compadres Day schedule with celebrations starting at 10 am and culminating in a lively dance.

Carnival Unearthing (March 1, 2025)

At 11:30 am, the Fortinero Carnival is unearthed at Mojón del Matadero, followed by various groups hosting events in lounges or family homes. At 2:00 pm, the boundary markers of Tilcara become the focal point for the grand carnival exhumation, uniting comparsas and groups.

Each group brings unique traditions and performances to the festivities. Evenings feature public dances at 22:00 in their respective halls and peñas at 20:00 in the Municipal Tinglado with general admission.

Sunday of Temptation (March 2, 2025)

On Sunday of Temptation, colorful parades of comparsas wind through Tilcara’s streets from 2 зm, followed by public dances and peñas, continuing the joyous atmosphere late into the night.

The Big Carnival (March 3, 2025)

The Big Carnival sees groups parade through the streets, inviting everyone to join in the lively rhythms and celebrations. The night concludes with dancing in various halls.

Chaya (March 4) and Ash Wednesday (March 5, 2025)

Chaya repeats the pattern of daytime parades and nighttime public dances. At the same time, Ash Wednesday (March 5) marks a transition with groups like Bridge of Fun and The Old Choclos hosting lunches, carnival burials, and concluding dances in their halls.

The Little Carnival (March 6–9, 2025)

The Little Carnival offers daily parades through Tilcara, celebrating the carnival’s final days. On March 9, the festivities culminate in the Burial of the Devil, symbolizing the end of the carnival. Parades weave through the town, carrying the carnival’s energy to its emotional farewell.

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