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The "Burning of the Devil"

marks the approach of Christmas in Guatemala

Location: Guatemala City

The Christian ritual dates back to the 16th century

(SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) LOCAL WHO DESIGNS AND MAKES DEVIL EFFIGIES, SERGIO ALVIZURES, SAYING:

"A figure like this one that you see here, we have been building for five consecutive years. A group of eight people, we are all friends. I organize, some work on the design, and others make the cuts and paint. Our objective is to not lose tradition and for people in the Zona 5 area to enjoy these moments and this tradition that has been kept up."

Old paper, furniture and other unwanted goods fuel the bonfires

But concern for the environment has caused the government

to call for fewer bonfires in past years