The Manacillos Festival: A Celebration of Resistance and Identity in Yurumanguí

The Manacillos festival, held in the remote village of Juntas along the Yurumanguí River, serves as a vital cultural event for the Afro-descendant community, which traces its roots to enslaved Africans brought to Colombia between the 17th and 19th centuries. This festival not only celebrates ancestral traditions but also acts as a powerful statement of resistance against economic instability, violence, and external threats from armed groups and multinationals.

The Guardian

The community of Yurumanguí has faced significant challenges, including displacement due to violence and economic neglect. Over the years, many residents have fled to urban areas like Buenaventura and Cali, leaving behind a shrinking population of approximately 4,000 people across 13 settlements. Delio Valencia Rentería, leader of the Yurumanguí River Basin Community Council, emphasizes the urgency of their situation, stating, “We have lived here for more than 350 years, and this has been the most difficult time ever experienced.”

The Guardian

The festival, which takes place during Holy Week, has become a focal point for community reunification. In 2025, it attracted around 1,500 attendees, marking the highest turnout in years. The event features traditional costumes, palm decorations, and a commitment from participants to refrain from work for three nights, symbolizing their dedication to preserving their culture and land. Ever Andrés Mercado, a local photographer, notes, “They return home because they want to send a message that, despite the problems they have faced, they will always come back to the territory to protect it.”

The Guardian

A central aspect of the festival is the symbolic clash between the Manacillos, who represent the soldiers that captured Jesus, and the community, which seeks to protect him. This performance serves as a reminder of the historical oppression faced by their ancestors. The festival also includes traditional songs and rituals aimed at celebrating abundance and denouncing violence, reinforcing the community's connection to their land.

The Guardian

Despite the festival's significance, the Yurumanguí community faces ongoing threats from illegal loggers, gold miners, and narco-traffickers, all vying for control of the land. Valencia Rentería highlights the dire situation, stating, “The territory is the backbone of a people, it is our life, and life is not for sale.” The community's struggle for survival was underscored by the kidnapping of two leaders in November 2021, which led to a two-year pause in the festival.

The Guardian

The festival serves as a declaration of existence and resilience. Mercado expresses the responsibility he feels in documenting the event, stating, “For years, only our problems have been reported.” The community aims to use the festival as a shield against invisibility, showcasing their fight for collective well-being and cultural preservation.

The Guardian

• “It’s a story about peace, about resilience, about resistance.” — Ever Andrés Mercado, Local Photographer

The Guardian

• “We will die on the day we remain silent in the face of injustices.” — Community Mural

The Guardian

• “The territory is the backbone of a people, it is our life, and life is not for sale; it is loved and defended,” — Delio Valencia Rentería, Community Leader

The Guardian

The Manacillos festival stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Yurumanguí community, embodying their struggle for identity, unity, and resistance against external threats.

The Guardian