Diablada de Píllaro is a popular celebration that has grown in the last decade. According to the history, in colonial times the Indians disguised themselves as devils in repudiation of priestly preaching and the physical, psychological, economic and moral mistreatment they received from the Spaniards.

Every year from the 1 th until January 6, Píllaro village relives the magical ancestral tradition well known as la diablada, which brings together a large number of tourists from different parts of Ecuador and abroad to enjoy locals dancing with colorful and incredible typical masks around the town for all day long.

Popular characters

The devils of Píllaro are the popular characters of this party. They wear special garments whose preparation is the result of a lot of time and effort. Their masks are handcrafted, their main base is a mold made in a block of earth to which several layers of rubber paper soaked in paste are adhered, and which is left in the sun so that it acquires hardness. Then they add horns and shapes of different animals such as goats, deer, lambs, bulls; it is colored in several tonalities, but the black and red colors are the most distinguished.

These festivities are performed through the main streets of the city with a parade full of dancing and bands of people who walk to the sound of sanjuanito, saltashpa, tonada and pasacalle. Each comparsa represents its culture and tradition accompanied by guarichas and capariches.

The Diablada Pillareña brings together dozens of families from this canton, who are encouraged by the example of their ancestors, each year are part of this cultural event, and are an example to follow by children and adolescents and off course everybody.

Ancestors

This cultural event, which in 2009 was declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Ecuador, convened in January thousands of people who participate in the so-called “parties” or traditional groups that travel, in the midst of dances and chants, rural communities to the center of Píllaro.

Red is the predominant color of the outfits of those who parade and flood with joy the downtown streets of the city. The costumes also include fringes, cuffs, guaraguas and other ornaments, in shades of black, yellow, green, lilac, brown and blue.

However, the huge and intimidating masks of the party put the distinctive touch. For many this element is the essence of the Diablada, because it personifies the pagan sense, and rebellious. We can always take you there don’t miss it GUIDE ECUADOR TRAVEL