Costa Rica's Boruca Tribe Relives Ancient Battle Against Spanish Conquerors

The resistance of an indigenous tribe in Costa Rica has resurfaced through a colorful festival that featured wooden masks and a man who donned a bull costume.

Daily Mail noted that members of the Boruca tribe would repeat this tradition every year, painting themselves and wearing masks prior to chasing a man acting as a bull, representing the Spanish conquerors who came to their place 500 years ago.

Dubbed as the El Juego de los Diablitos (Dance of the Little Devils) ritual, the practice is done during the New Year celebration.

"The festival celebrates the fact that Boruca culture and traditions remain intact after Costa Rica was colonised by the Spanish, who called tribe members 'little devils,'" explained Daily Mail.

It was noted in a report by Arts, Culture and Music Costa Rica that the tradition is one of the unique celebrations in the country.

The Dance of the Little Devils is said to have started from the Borucan tribe who hails from the Puntarenas province.

With the tradition and ritual, tribesmen are able to reenact the clash of the locals with the Spaniards. This begins every Dec. 30 where church bells sound to mark the beginning of the celebration.

"The musicians, drummers and flautists flare up the music setting the mood of the drama and the performance of the dancers inaugurates the three-day show," added Arts, Culture and Music Costa Rica.

It was also highlighted that the tradition has attracted tourists from various countries every year, who have been accustomed to seeing masked tribesmen perform the ritual.

Daily Mail added that because the Spaniards conquered Costa Rica, Spanish has become the dominant language in the country today. The foreigners also introduced the Roman Catholic religion to the country in the 1500s.

Meanwhile, Go Blue Central America said that the Boruca tribe is one of the four major tribes in the country.

This indigenous tribe live in the South Pacific of Costa Rica. They are also known for their hand carvings and the colorful masks that they paint.

"Spirituality being a cornerstone to the Borucan way of life, they pass down their traditions and ancestral stories through form of legend," noted the same report.

Since they value their history so much, a museum of the Borucan history has been put up. Inside this museum is a shop where masks and postcards of the tribe are offered for sale.

Paintings of their history and culture are also displayed in an art gallery in the museum.