The Myth of the Salamanca
With the she-devil riding pillion, Mandinga arrived, sulphuring the moonlit night; he dismounted from his horse and the dance began, with his tail marking the beat.
Arturo Dávalos, poet from Salta
The term salamanca would be equivalent to the Spanish aquelarre (witches’ sabbath). It refers to a demonic gathering in which witches and demons of all kinds take part. The myth of the Salamanca is widespread across a large part of Argentine territory, both in the Andean cordillera region and in the pre-cordillera. But it is also found in the littoral region, where it is likewise known as "la comitiva" (the retinue).
In Jujuy, the Salamanca is said to gather on Huáncar hill. That is where Zupay dwells. Tradition holds that on nights of the full moon, Mandinga rides out on a black colt with a silver saddle and, gleaming in the light of the full moon, invites those who pass by to join the festivities celebrated at the Salamanca. At carnival time, the entire Salamanca leaves Huáncar and, mingling with the people, urges them to worship "Pullay," the spirit of Carnival, who is regarded by some as a deity and by others as a minor demon.
Near the places where the salamanca gathers (always on a hill and close to a river), the sounds of guitars, violins, and bass drums can be heard at night. There are those who say that at the salamanca one can learn a trade, but to become the very best at it, one must first make a pact with the Evil One.