The Doll Burning and Carrying Away the Ills of this Year

By Hebert Edgardo Huamani Jara (translated by David Knowlton)

In Cuzco, the end of one year and the beginning of another, draws on different kinds of customs. Some get lost with time. New ones appear. There is constant change according to the society of the moment. One of the most popular customs, but one under attack, is the burning of dolls around midnight. Read the rest of this entry

Green, Red, and Black Grapes for Tonight

Brayan Coraza Morveli (translated by David Knowlton)

As we know, New Years is the end of the year falling on December 31st. It is an important date in Cuzco since people have many beliefs and customs, which we call cabalas, all of which have the purpose of making next year a better one than the one that ends. Read the rest of this entry

Looking out on the Plaza

By Hebert Edgardo Huamani Jara (translated by David Knowlton)

Cuzco is a popular destination for New Years. On this last night of the year, it fills with a special magic that draws people from all over the world. As a result this celebration fills with manifestations of customs local and from elsewhere filled with color and delight. Read the rest of this entry

Borgoña Wine for New Years

By Walter Coraza Morveli and David Knowlton

It is New Years Eve. What do you drink? What is in the glass that you raise to toast the New Year and celebrate life and the people around you? Tomorrow night in Cuzco people will lift something to their lips; they have a history of alcohol that made the first Spaniards talk. What will it be? Read the rest of this entry

Yellow Confetti Ready for New Years

By Walter Coraza Morveli (translated by David Knowlton)

Even though Christmas is over people continue to prepare for festivities. Cuzco’s streets dress up in bright yellow as a symbol of good luck. Fairs with necessary artifacts take over the city’s streets and Cuzco’s stores fill with all one needs to ring in the new year well. Read the rest of this entry

Tourists at Machu Picchu

By David Knowlton

Solid and permanent, like the stone on which it stands, Machu Picchu is Peru’s main tourist attraction and a fantasy for people around the world. Yet, the site is surprisingly fragile and challenged by its very success and this raises the challenge for Peru of maintaining Machu Picchu so people can continue to enjoy its splendor.

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Firecrackers

By Brayan Coraza Morveli (translated by David Knowlton)

Around the world fireworks are known and much loved. Cuzco is no different. When feasts such as Cruz Velakuy, Christmas, and New Years approach people, and especially children, love to play with these bursts of light, color, and sound. They like it even more when they make them.  Read the rest of this entry

D’Onofrio Panetón

By David Knowlton

One cannot imagine Christmas in Peru with out the sweet, fruited bread called panetón. It is eaten by almost everyone at this time, often accompanied by hot chocolate, as part of the national culture. Yet at the international level, Peru’s tradition of making panetones is under attack. Read the rest of this entry

A Christmas Tree on the Plazoleta Espinar

By Walter Coraza Morveli (translated by David Knowlton)

After a Christmas Eve filled with villancicos (Christmas carols), hot chocolate, and panetón, finally midnight came, the Christ Child was born and brought with him Christmas, a day of peace and love for all. Christmas is a day to celebrate in family, showing our love for each other. Read the rest of this entry

Chicken Soup for Christmas

By Hebert Edgardo Huamani Jara (translated by David Knowlton)

Christmas dinner for some is a big head ache. For others it is very simple. Each family has its own style of preparing and consuming their Christmas dinner. No matter what, though, the dinner is a way of sharing this special time with family. Read the rest of this entry