Question

How does El Juego de los Diablitos show the perspectives of Costa Ricans toward their country’s indigenous roots, the conquest of the Spaniards, and their independence from Spain in 1821?


A) Costa Ricans hold a running of the bulls in which the diablitos run out in front of the bulls to represent escaping the Spaniards. In the evening, a matador kills the largest bull to represent independence from Spain.

B) The diablitos, who represent the indigenous Brunka people, eventually defeat a bull, which represents the Spaniards.

C) Before Christmas, parades are held in which diablitos, who represent the Spanish conquistadors, carry many lights for the parade. The first floats in the parade show the Spanish conquest of Costa Rica, and the last ones celebrate Costa Rican independence.

Answer 1

Answer: B) The diablitos, who represent the indigenous Brunka people, eventually defeat a bull, which represents the Spaniards.

Explanation: El juego de los diablitos (the game of devils) is a traditional festival of the Boruca culture, indigenous people of Costa Rica, which takes place between December 30 and January 2 of each year, to remember the fight against the Spanish conquerors.

This festival aims to give a sense of community identity to the Boruca people, promoting the passage of the tradition from parents to children. The development of handicrafts in the manufacture of masks, drums and maracas used in the festivity is relevant. For the Borucas, the play of the devils represents their struggle of the past, in addition to the present and future struggles they face in the face of the threat of the loss of their territory, always waning since the conquest, and their struggle to preserve their identity.

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