Panama

Effigies of well known peoplecalled muecosare traditionally burned in New Years bonfires in Panama. The figures can include everyone from television characters like Ugly Betty to political figures like Fidel Castro (in 2007, Panamas first Olympic gold medalist, track star Irving Saladin, was burned as a mueco). The effigies represent the old year; immolating them is meant to drive off evil spirits for a fresh New Years start.