La Quema del Diablo "Burnin' the Devil"

 Guatemala is a country steeped in religious traditions and rituals.  December 7 marks the "Burning of the Devil", to commemorate the exaltation of the triumph of good over evil.  Originally, the burning of trash from inside one's home in the street was done to shed light and to get rid of the present evil in the day when Santa Ana conceived and gave birth to the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus.  The tradition was brought to America by the Spanish conquistadors and has been celebrated since the 16 century.  This tradition culminated in the 19 century when in 1854, the Vatican suggested that people everywhere should instead celebrate the night preceding Mary's conception of Jesus.  Guatemalans celebrate this day as well with candle light vigils and lanterns parading the streets on December 15.  A local newspaper recently reported that, what was originally brought to America by the Spaniards in 1521, has today transformed into the burning of sins and perhaps that is why it is called the burning of the Devil.  Pinata-like figures of the Devil like the ones shown here, were for sale and lined the streets days before the celebration when they would be burned.  Today, it is more common for Guatemalans to burn one of these in front of their home instead of trash.