Posted
on December 24, 2015
I
read that the Main Square, or plaza, of Cusco, Peru, seems to be
transformed at Christmas time. Local artisans and sculptors bring out
their best works and exhibit them on blankets laid out on the
sidewalks, just like traditional Andean fairs.
This
festival's name, Santuranticuy,
can be translated as “Sale of the Saints.” Many of the items
offered for sale are religious figures and figurines for nativity
scenes. Miniature animals are also offered for sale – even animals
that don't appear in the average nativity scene. Of course there are
other handcrafted items, as well—everything from backpacks and
jewelry to dolls and toy trucks. This is one of the largest arts and
crafts fairs in Peru.
Naturally,
some vendors sell refreshments and food. At night, street vendors
sell a traditional hot, sweet rum punch called ponche.
I
read that some very poor families come to Cusco for Santuranticuy
from the country; they spend a few nights at the Main Square, even
though there is little shelter from rain or cold. They bring herbs
that they have grown and offer them for sale. Many of these herb
growers don't speak Spanish, but instead speak Quechua.
Some
organizations rally to help these poor families. They offer them free
hot chocolate and panetón
(Peruvian Christmas cake), and they give gifts to the children.
Carvana Cusco volunteers wear colorful clown costumes, and they
entertain the children from these poor families with music,
storytelling, theater and mime.
With
so many people coming together – with the nativity figures
representing the religious portion of Christmas – with kindness
extended to the needy representing the secular values of giving and
compassion – Santuranticuy
seems to be a wonderful December 24th
tradition!
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