WATCH: Guatemala’s ‘Devil-Burning’ Ritual Turns Into Political Protest as Trump Effigy Is Set on Fire
Love him or hate him, no one is inddiferent to Donald J. Trump.
A long-standing Guatemalan tradition meant to symbolically cleanse the past took on an international political tone this year.
Each December, communities across Guatemala mark the approach of Christmas and the New Year by observing the “Burning of the Devil,” a ritual intended to cast away misfortune and negative influences from the previous year. While the ceremony traditionally features a small devil effigy, modern celebrations often include additional figures representing public personalities who have fallen out of favor.
The US president was selected as the character to be burned with the devil in Guatemala as part of the annual tradition to put all bad things behind them before Christmas pic.twitter.com/CK5mztTMuh
— Reuters (@Reuters) December 8, 2025
🇬🇹🇺🇸 Guatemalans follow an old Christmas tradition of “burning the devil” by destroying an evil effigy
This year, effigy features Trump’s face… pic.twitter.com/8eHR9J9xGF
— Lord Bebo (@MyLordBebo) December 8, 2025
This year’s event gained global attention when a large piñata depicting U.S. President Donald Trump was burned during the festivities in Guatemala City. According to Global South World, the figure—designed with horns and eight legs—became a focal point of the ceremony, drawing crowds and sparking widespread discussion.
Video from the event shows spectators watching as fireworks accompanied the burning of the Trump-themed effigy. For many participants, the act served as a symbolic gesture tied to their views on immigration policies and broader political concerns.
Guatemalans burn an effigy of the Devil alongside Trump during annual ‘Burning of the Devil’ event.
“This represents the burning of evil.”
— Oli London (@OliLondonTV) December 8, 2025
In Guatemala, protesters set fire to a giant pinata of Donald Trump during the traditional “Burning of the Devil” festival to voice opposition to his immigration policies.
Follow: https://t.co/7Dg3b41hTx pic.twitter.com/PznIeHnWlQ
— PressTV Extra (@PresstvExtra) December 8, 2025
Although rooted in Catholic tradition, the Burning of the Devil has evolved into a broader cultural expression. Today, it blends creativity, craftsmanship, and political commentary, allowing Guatemalans to reflect on societal issues while maintaining a ritual of renewal. The ceremony continues to function both as a symbolic cleansing and a platform for public expression during the country’s end-of-year celebrations.
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