Azogueñas masquerades an approach from Cultural Anthropology

Abstract

The study of masquerades in Azogues, from the perspective of cultural anthropology, analyzes this phenomenon as a ritual of social criticism, cultural expression and symbolic renewal in a context of religious syncretism. The objective is to understand its role in local identity and community cohesion. Through an ethnographic methodology and documentary analysis, we examine the festivities between December 28 and January 6, where social roles are inverted and masks are used for satire and parody. The results show that the masquerades have been a space for popular expression through seven editions executed by the Catholic University of Cuenca, has guaranteed its continuity, adapting to modernity without losing its critical and festive essence. Finally, it is expected to adhere to the actors of the city and the province to achieve a greater diffusion in future editions.