Since colonial times, December 7th at 6pm marks the time to light bonfires in front of houses to burn away any evil spirits that might linger – in preparation for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception’s celebration on December 8th and the Christmas holiday.

As Antigua has done with most traditional celebrations, there was great competition between families in the early 1990’s – creating quite a lot of smoke. Our friend, Angel Arturo Gonzalez united locals to celebrate the BURNING OF THE DEVIL in the neighborhood of La Concepcion and it has become one of the largest celebrations of the year. Instead of paper trash, true creativity is born as different Antigüeño artists come up with new satire each year. This year, we will burn a devil with recycled materials created by David Azurdia. In true form, our theatrical group, Los Pregoneros, will read the Devil’s last will and testament – which is usually full of local satire and gossip – before the fire is lit! With the up-coming elections in September 2023 (and campaign beginning in January) – the sign on the 2022 Devil referrers to how each vote is not for sale or to give away.

The rats and the money refer to many of the Guatemalan politicians who are well-known for corruption.
Yearly awards were given to distinguished residents by the Comite del Barrio de la Concepcion on Monday followed by the fiesta all week long at the Barrio including great music and the fair up the street from the ruined La Concepcion Church and around the exquisite Fuente de las Delicias. See you there!