Exploración del significado cultural de la danza jegui ngäbe buglé

Introduction. This study explores the jegui dance as an important vehicle forcultural expression among the ngäbe people in the southern region of CostaRica. In a globalized context, where cultural identities are increasingly blurred, then ngäbe have managed to preserve their dances and traditions. Objective. The aim is to understand the ngäbe-buglé jegui dance as a pillar of their intangible heritage and its active role in shaping and safeguarding the identity of this ancestral community. Methodology. Documents related to ngäbe culture in Costa Rica and Panama are reviewed to validate the elements discussed; however, due to the scarcity of information, an interview is conducted with Wilfredo Montezuma,an indigenous leader in charge of the jegui dance group Kigaribu. A discussionis developed around the jegui dance, which is not only an element of intangible cultural heritage for the ngäbe community but also reinforces the country’s cultural diversity and highlights the roots of one of Costa Rica’s ancestral communities. Conclusions. The jegui dance is essential to the ngäbe people, as it reflects their capacity for adaptation over time in response to the social and environmental needs of the community. It also demonstrates a humanistic expression of identity and culture in every step. This article suggests the need for further research on the jeguidance, which could contribute to the recognition of an isolated community and the dissemination of traditions that are of interest to the Costa Rican population.