Small, rural communities in the central coastal region of Venezuela have a way of celebrating Corpus Christi. Corpus Christi is a Roman Catholic celebration commemorating Jesus Christ present in the Sacrament on this day. It is a Roman Catholic celebration in which the Eucharist is celebrated as the body of Jesus Christ. This event commemorates the day when bread and wine are transformed into the physical body of Jesus Christ. Considering that most Venezuelans are Roman Catholics, the feast of Corpus Christi has significant significance for citizens.
These celebrations are thought to have originated in the 5th century when the Catholic Church converted people who followed pagan beliefs into Christians through the use of dance. In later centuries, especially in the medieval period, evolved versions of the dances became significant parts of Corpus Christi celebrations in Andalucía, Spain. These celebrations involved wearing masks and costumes. The celebrations reached Venezuela with the Spanish colonizers who ruled Venezuela and many South American countries between the 16th and 19th centuries. When they did, they introduced their religious beliefs and festivities to the region, which replaced indigenous practices and beliefs.
As they colonized the various kingdoms in West Africa, they carried slaves for years from these countries to work on various plantations the Europeans had already established. Historians and anthropologists believe that the Corpus Christi celebrations were used to attract African slaves as well as the indigenous population of the region to participate in European religious events. The celebrations proved very successful, especially with the slaves, who had their traditions and festivals that included wearing masks and dancing. From this, Corpus Christi celebrations evolved, and eventually, various forms of African and indigenous music were integrated.
In the celebration, groups of adults, young men, and children dressed up as masked devils dance backward in penitence. The Blessed Sacrament is carried forward by a Catholic official. String and percussion instruments provide the accompaniment. Members of the congregation carry maracas to ward off evil forces. As the celebration climaxes, the devils surrender to the Sacrament, symbolizing good over evil. The dancers, or promeseros (promise-keepers), are lifelong members of confraternities which pass down the historical memory and ancestral practices. As a form of protection against evil spirits, each confraternity produces its own devil masks that are worn with crosses, scapulars, and blessed palm leaves. Bells, hankies, and ribbons are also common protective items.
In recent years, some communities have begun to include women as dancers for the procession as well as overseeing the spiritual preparation of children, organizing the stages of the ritual, preparing food, and providing support for the dances.
In Venezuela, such celebrations hold religious significance. They are used as a sign of support during difficult times, as well as protection against misfortune. However, this is not the only thing that is safeguarded. Tradition and culture are also safeguarded as they are annually organized, helping to pass on knowledge from generation to generation. Examples include the knowledge of making masks, costumes, drums, dance, etc.
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