The annual 8 day Inti Raymi celebration in little Cotacachi, Ecuador is well underway. This is a time when the indigenous communities from the Andes Highlands come down to battle over the town square. They are armed with whips with a extension of metal to extend their reach and knotted clubs. Some wear tall strange looking hats that are designed to fend off any rocks that might be thrown. They celebrate the Sun and Mother Earth and give thanks for a good harvest and hope for another bountiful year. They drink a certain kind of potent firewater called aguardiente which is made from fermented sugar cane. They become drunk as the days progress which may lead to violence. So far this year one person was severely injured and the celebration is not over yet. Think of this celebration similar to New Orleans "Mardi Gras" on steroids. To witness this event is a sight to behold. Soon everything will be back to normal in this calm, friendly, small village of Cotacachi known for fine leather products.
26 сен 2024
