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Bandos and Parrandas of The Holy Innocents



This history began in colonial times, in Afro-descendant territories where cocoa plants (Theobroma cacao) were grown. It coincided with the festival of the Holy Innocents in the Catholic calendar and the dominant elite gave enslaved citizens a day off. Since then, many Caucaguenses have dedicated December 27th and 28th to a street festival with overflowing music led by women, aimed at "reversing the established order". In their showy clothes and their "Band declamation," the Parrandas play satire on the authorities while making fun of them.

By the end of the XXth century, foreign elements were a serious threat to the Parrandas, causing their traditions to disappear, including their characters, music, and routes. In recent studies, the symbolism associated with cultural expression has also been lost, potentially affecting cross-generational transmission. They were unable to grasp the importance of the character due to previous concerns. Therefore, some bearers implemented two strategies from a work program they had relied on for support.

The Nuclei of Initiation and Transmission of Wisdom were founded by Bandos y Parrandas of the Holy Innocents. The element is meant to be transmitted orally more effectively. A weekly programming schedule, geared towards kids, young people, and adults, focuses on cultural, historical, natural, and geographical elements. Moreover, the Community Councils of the Program were formulated as a means of promoting agreements and action spaces between different collectives, all aimed at safeguarding the living cultural heritage.

According to UNESCO's 2003 Convention, the Nuclei respect the ICH and encourage its protection among the younger generations; participants are given the opportunity to benefit from the Good Practices in the knowledge they have acquired at these sites of transmission. Creating Nuclei is a community-driven process. Members of these groups travel from one locality to another, inviting settlers to join their activities and even to form their own community councils. In a Community Council for Safeguarding, communities, groups, and individuals have the right to express their practices and demonstrate their special skills, which is in keeping with the Eighth Ethical Principle for Safeguarding.

Historically, women have played the principal roles in Bandos and Parrandas, so this program was derived from a culture that values their contributions. Throughout the Community Councils' organizational structure, social inclusion and the democratization of wisdom and knowledge are predominant, while respecting ethnic identities and diversity of criteria. A key aspect of the Program is its ethical foundations, which incorporate a diversity of age groups and professions.


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