We were very lucky to witness one of the local festivals, in praise of Mary.
The Virgin of San Pedro was decorated and put in the main body of the church.
At about 5.00pm we heard drums and a brass band in the distance.
Knowing from our experiences in Sapin this means a procession is about to begin we dashed out to find out to see what was happening.
By the cemetery we found the procession.
The Virgin from Calama was coming.
It was trying to rain so she was protected.
The followers walking backwards facing the Virgin.
In previous visits we have seen similar processions, which are a mixture of Christian beliefs, animalism, very ancient rites and the Conquistidores.. Masks represent the various beliefs.
One of the most prominent representations is the leopard - the history is shrouded in mystery, know one really knows why.
Slowly the Virgin made her way through the streets with followers, some carrying masks to be used in the dancing later.
It was pretty noisy and this little chap was trembling with fear.
Not surprisingly he was trembling when you saw the blowing energy!
The Virgin was taken into the church and put close to the Virgin of San Pedro.
Then the celebrations started in the square outside the church.
The masked fingures advancing in lines to pay homage to the head of the festival.
Meanwhile in the church, a place was saved.
The second part of the festival was starting. Local villagers coming in fantastic costumes representing their theme for the year. We suspect most of the costumes were satirical!
It was very excitng to watch and we were very glad that local traditions are carrying on.
We decided this was a lama!
These costumes are from the villages in the Andes
This Conquistador was very fierce as he pranced and jabbed with his sword into the church.
These matadores had their suits of light,
Finally, people wearing the well known costumes of the high Altiplana villages arrived.
As the participants arrived in the church courtyard they took off their masks,
laid them against the church wall and went into mass.
By the cemetery we found the procession.
One of the most prominent representations is the leopard - the history is shrouded in mystery, know one really knows why.
The other is a character mask of the Conquistidores.
A few days later we saw a human face that was very similar to the beak nosed mask!
The masked fingures advancing in lines to pay homage to the head of the festival.
It was very excitng to watch and we were very glad that local traditions are carrying on.
and the bulls fought bravely.
laid them against the church wall and went into mass.
It was a wonderful opportunity for any photographer!
As Mass continued we went off feeling very excited
and grateful that we had witnessed such a wonderful fiesta.
and grateful that we had witnessed such a wonderful fiesta.
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