Loa de los Santos Reyes Magos, Religious theater performance in Baranoa, Colombia.
The Loa de los Santos Reyes Magos is a religious theatrical performance in Baranoa that depicts the journey of the Three Wise Men to Bethlehem and their meeting with King Herod. Local actors bring this story to life through a four-act structure based on biblical passages.
A Spanish priest named Santiago Felipe Acosta Sánchez introduced this theatrical tradition to Baranoa in 1877 and wrote the original scripts for the performance. The tradition has remained rooted in the community ever since and continues to be staged during the Epiphany celebrations.
The performance draws from biblical passages and carries deep meaning for residents as a way to honor the Epiphany story through their own voices and interpretations. Families view participation as a connection to their faith and community identity.
The performance takes place annually on January 6 in the main plaza of Baranoa and attracts spectators from the surrounding region. Arriving early is advisable to find a good viewing spot since the event occurs outdoors.
The performance relies on handwritten and orally transmitted versions of the original 19th-century script rather than standardized printed copies. This means dialogues and details shift slightly from year to year as each generation adds its own interpretation.
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