The annual incineration of devil-like figures is the traditional start to Christmas festivities, and is meant to symbolise ‘putting bad things in the past’ and ‘the triumph of good over evil’
Effigies of US President Donald Trump was set on fire in the annual ‘Burning of the Devil’ festival in Guatemala. A huge arachnid bearing the Donald’s face was razed to the ground in one such event, while elsewhere a decapitated Trump head was placed in the hands of an enormous devil before being set alight.
The burnings were part of an annual tradition in which Guatemalans set fire to papier-mâché devils and piñatas ahead of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Taking place every year on December 7 at 6pm, it a centuries-old tradition that marks the beginning of the Christmas festivities, and has also become an expression of social criticism.
As one newsreader put it while reporting on the event for WION, it’s “part of an annual tradition to put all bad things behind them before Christmas”.
In the clip, which can be seen on YouTube, an easily recognisable likeness of Trump’s bonce, complete with blonde barnet, is placed into the hands of a giant, sinister-looking devil.
Families with young children are then seen having their pictures taken with the monstrosity, before the effigy is set alight, and crowds pack the town square to watch.
In another clip that posted on X (Twitter), a huge red arachnid with Trump’s face (and hair) is similarly set ablaze to whoops and cheers from a gathered crowd. The video then shows the obliterated figure’s remains still burning on the street as cars and motorcycles drive past.
Festival reveller Aldahgir Gonzalez told Global News: “It’s to represent the triumph of good over evil and all bad things and to let go of bad things. All this represents the burning of evil.”
A member of a festival organising committee said there is always a demonised figure who gets burned with the devil – and this year it was Trump’s turn.
“There is always a character who attracts all the attention and comments,” they said, quoted by The Independent. “This year it happened to a figure already plagued with so much controversy, not only in this country but around the world.
“Namely the ‘little tyrant’ of the United States who has done a lot to harm our Latin people and especially our Guatemalan brothers.”
Many Guatemalan children and adults have been targeted in deportation raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under the Trump administration’s new border policy.
In September this year, ICE tried to remove Guatemalan children who had travelled to the US alone and were living in shelters or with foster care families.
The policy has been criticised by human rights groups and advocates for migrant rights, while Homeland Security officials have insisted that deported parents have the option to either leave with their children or place them with a guardian in the United States.
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