Guatemalans burn devil figures in bid to oust evil

William Gularte / Reuters

A 16 foot tall devil figure burns during a Quema del Diablo (Burning of the Devil) ceremony in Antigua, Guatemala, on Dec. 7, 2011.

Jorge Dan Lopez / Reuters

People look at a 56 foot replica of a devil during a Quema del Diablo ceremony in Mixco, on the outskirts of Guatemala City, on Dec. 7, 2011.

Rodrigo Abd / AP

The remains of a figure of a devil is seen after being burned during the traditional Quema del Diablo celebration in Guatemala City on Dec. 7, 2011.

Reuters has more on the Quema del Diablo ceremony:

Locals believe that the devil symbolizes evil and negativity, and burning its replica will alleviate them of these problems. However, environmental groups have condemned the ceremony, saying it is a source of air pollution, while religious groups have considered it a form of devil worship.

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