Burning of the Devil Marks Start of Holiday Season in Guatemala

Revelers in Guatemala City gave the devil a taste of his own medicine, by burning an effigy of Old Nick. The centuries-old ritual, known as 'the burning of the devil,' marks the start of the holiday season. To celebrate, a giant devil figure is crafted out of cardboard, outfitted with a trident, and painted a classic, hellfire red. Then, as the sun sets, the Prince of Darkness goes up in flames. The bonfire symbolizes purification and the destruction of evil.