The Atlantic coastal town of Nombre de Dios ended Carnival with a traditional ceremony involving the romp of the devils, who are subsequently cast out by the angels protect that protect humanity. Ash Wednesday in Nombre de Dios is the day the devils come out in full regalia, taunting and provoking mankind, as represented by other townfolk. The devils whipped and chased men (and women) throughout the town to represent his provocation. By the end of the day the devils were rounded up, their masks removed, and they were roped and carted off. This "act" is the official end of the Carnival in Nombre. The show lasted more than five hours, of which we caught about three and one-half hours of the action. Nombre de Dios is almost two and one-half hours by car from the city of Colon, and since there are no street lights along the winding and sometimes bumpy road, we decided to leave with a little bit of daylight in our favor.

Some people like to play with whips, and others like to tie other people up, or to be bound themselves. All of this is socially acceptable for one day a year in Nombre de Dios.

Most people like to enjoy the diablito show from just outside the range of the protagonists' whips.

Here the devil makes his symbolic stand in downtown Nombre de Dios. Of course, it turned out to be his "last stand" until Carnival rolls around again next year.

The diablito is traditionally a male role, but women have their important parts in the festivities as well.

If the community is going to cast out the devils, then there's a need for a reverend....

In most Panamanian communities, the Carnival queen's role is over when they bury the sardine late at night on Carnival Tuesday. In Nombre de Dios, Her Majesty has duties that last into Ash Wednesday.

If you're going to cast out the devil, it's usually a good idea to demolish his abode as well. This little bohio is the devils' hut, which was built to be destroyed as part of the ceremony.

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