Each year, the men of Boruca cover their faces in elaborate balsa masks and pretend to fight a bull. Los Juegos de los Diablitos (“The Little Devil Games”) are centuries old, symbolizing indigenous defiance of Spanish conquistadors. Participants drink chicha, an earthy beverage made of fermented corn, which enables them to run, leap, shriek, and hurl each other around for hours at a stretch.
Check out our video to get an sense of what the Juegos de los Diablitos look like. Although the event ended this past weekend, you can visit the indigenous village of Boruca any time. (We recommend driving there in a 4×4, as the roads can be pretty rocky). You’ll find basic cabinas, shops stocked with handmade Brunca masks, and some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet.
Robert Isenberg has posted a great first-person account of his experience at this year’s Juego de los Diablitos. Below is a video that Robert shot.
