Who is the Bogiot Demon? The new icon of Inca festivals, inspired by an ancient legend

PalmInca continues to strengthen its popular culture with the arrival of a new festive figure: the Demoni Bogiot, a character inspired by an ancient legend who, from now on, will accompany the Cossiers in their performances. The initiative, promoted by the Verbena de Inca cultural association, aims to revitalize and increase participation in this emblematic tradition. Until now, the Cossiers dance was only performed inside the church, but with the arrival of Bogiot—a mischievous farmer who embodies the more playful and earthly side of the town—the dance will now take to the streets. The new demon made his first appearance this Sunday during the festival of Santa María la Mayor, patron saint of Inca, amidst bonfires, demons, and folk music. The next dance of the Cossiers and the Demoni Bogiot will be on Easter Sunday.

Bogiot takes its name from an ancient festival on the eve of Saint Peter and Saint John's Day, in which young people from Inca would mischievously steal fruit from orchards, until the practice was outlawed.

In contrast to the role of the Cossiers as a symbol of good, nature, and fertility, this demon embodies the rebellious and mocking spirit of the peasantry. It does so with a hornless mask, a rooster's crest, and wolf's ears—the typical appearance of the demons of Inca. Its aesthetic is laden with Inca symbolism: it features whistles and moldings with the four colors of the Inca siurells (traditional whistles).

With this addition, Inca reaffirms its commitment to its popular culture. "The intangible heritage is kept alive, and new ways of experiencing and sharing the town's traditions are offered," the City Council emphasizes.