STORY: Performers dressed as devils in vibrant costumes descended the Cerro Blanco mountain on Saturday (February 14) in a traditional ceremony dating back to the colonial era known as the Bajada de Diablos, which means "Descent of the Devils". The event marks the official start of carnival season in northern Argentina's Jujuy province

The tradition features groups of "diablitos" making their way from the top of a mountain, some stumbling and falling, before making an offering dedicated to the Pachamama, or Mother Earth.

Tourist Daniel Sajama said the modern version features performers in lavish masks and costumes, but historically workers would disguise themselves with simple clay masks.

French tourist Chloe Minet called the event "fascinating" while another tourist, Julia Mendoza, said the experience was an emotional one.

After the descent a symbolic devil figure is unearthed which represents the Earth's fertility in anticipation of a bountiful harvest. At the end of the celebrations on March 7,the Pujllay, which means "Carnival Devil", is buried once more during a ritual that ensures its return the following year.

According to local media reports, the event draws thousands of tourists to the area.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

SHOWS: UQUIA, JUJUY, ARGENTINA (FEBRUARY 14, 2026) (REUTERS - Access all)

1. PEOPLE DRESSED AS DEVILS APPEARING ON MOUNTAINSIDE DURING "UNEARTHING" CEREMONY MARKING START OF CARNIVAL

2. VARIOUS OF DEVILS CELEBRATING CARNIVAL START WITH DANCING AND MUSIC

3. DEVILS ROLLING DOWN MOUNTAINSIDE

4. DEVIL DRINKING FROM JUG

5. MOUNTAIN WITH DANCING DEVILS DESCENDING

6. (MUTE) AERIAL VIEW OF THOUSANDS OF SPECTATORS WATCHING CARNIVAL

7. (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) TOURIST, DANIEL SAJAMA, SAYING:

"The costumes are very ancient and come from the Inquisition period, when workers would disguise themselves to show their happiness. This way, the foreman or owner couldn't identify them for their mischief and overwhelming joy, because it wasn't all year, just during this period."

8. VARIOUS OF DEVILS DESCENDING MOUNTAIN AND MEETING WITH CROWD

9. (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) TOURIST, DANIEL SAJAMA, SAYING:

"So the devils come down, now many modernized with incredible luxurious and beautiful outfits; you'll see them. They used to disguise themselves behind clay masks, behind masks like that, during the time to express their joy. Today, that has remained captured and reflected through time, and the local young people carry it out."

10. VARIOUS OF THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE DANCING AND SPRAYING FOAM, COLORED POWDER

11. (SOUNDBITE) (French) FRENCH TOURIST, CHLOE MINET, SAYING:

"We're traveling through South America for six or seven months, and the carnival season is very important. We had the option to choose between Rio and Oruro, and we chose Uquia to experience a very traditional carnival. We saw images of the devils' descent; it's fascinating, and we're very happy. We've been here since last night, we've settled in since this morning and we're waiting. We're really looking forward to it. We're delighted to be here."

12. VARIOUS OF HUNDREDS OF DEVILS DESCENDING FROM CERRO BLANCO MOUNTAIN

13. VARIOUS OF CROWD MIXING WITH DEVILS AND DANCING

14. (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) TOURIST, JULIA MENDOZA, SAYING:

"It's something emotional that you experience, you can't transmit it. I mean, I think each person who comes lives their own experience."

15. VARIOUS OF DEVILS MIXING WITH CROWD AND DANCING WITH THEM