Mama negra known as Blessed Tragedy is a traditional festival from Latacunga, city located in
the province of Cotopaxi.
The festival is divided in two parts in different months. The first is made in September in honor of Virgen de las Mercedes, because she calmed the fury of the volcano Cotopaxi in 1742. For that reason she was proclaimed/named Lawyer and patron of the volcano The second part of the festival is made in November when the people celebrate the independence of the city. Mama Negra She is the main character. She wears clothes whit a lot of colors. She always is riding a horse, in her right hand she carries to her daughter a black doll called Baltasara, who dances with the popular band and in her left hand she carries a kind of bottle whit milk and water that throw to the people. Rey Moro He is always well dressed who represents a legendary ruler. He decorates the procession El ngel de la Estrella He represents the Archangel Gabriel he is a young man who rides a horse and wears a white tunic with gold and silver lace. He carries in his right hand a scepter with a star on top. He recites praises to the Virgin. Abanderado He is a kind of military who carries a big flag with squares. He walks around the streets entertaining the people and moves the flag. Capitan He is the biggest prioste who spend the money in the festival. He is with a elegantly uniform and he carries a sword in his hand