08/02/2024
🎉 Exploring the Tradition of Compadres and Comadres in Cusco 🌟
In Cusco, joy and celebration are constants in our daily lives. After a week filled with laughter and camaraderie during the compadres festival, today, February 8th, we immerse ourselves in the magic and charm of honoring the comadres in a day brimming with color, tradition, and bonds of friendship.
🏞️ A Tradition Rooted in the Andean Heart: The celebration of compadres and comadres in Cusco is more than just a tradition; it's a symbol of the deep bonds that unite Cusqueñan communities. Since time immemorial, compadres and comadres have held a place of honor in people's lives in this Andean region. Beyond merely being godparents in religious ceremonies, they represent a network of support and solidarity that spans an individual's entire life.
🎨 The Spirit of Generosity and Creativity: The compadres and comadres festival is celebrated with an explosion of creativity and joy throughout the city of Cusco. In the main business centers, such as markets and plazas, as well as in traditional neighborhoods, people gather to celebrate with enthusiasm. A highlight of this festival is the making of dolls representing the comadres. Each year, in many places, dolls portraying prominent figures, such as the president of Peru, Dina Boluarte, are crafted, and jokes are played on them through the signs attached to their figures. This practice is an expression of the creativity and ingenuity of the Cusqueñan people.
🌍 Beyond Borders: What makes this festival even more special is how it transcends borders and opens doors to new opportunities. This is the case for some boys and girls from high Andean communities, such as Huilloq, Patacancha, and others, who have found in their godparents the key to a future full of possibilities. Through these relationships, some have had the opportunity to travel to other countries, such as the United States, where they have expanded their educational and cultural horizons. A tangible example of this reality is a friend from the Huilloq community, who traveled to the United States thanks to the support of her godparents. During her time in this country, she not only acquired excellent English proficiency but also excelled as a professional in her field, demonstrating that bonds of friendship and solidarity can open doors to a more prosperous and promising future.
🤝 The Importance of AYNI in the Community: The compadres and comadres festival is also deeply rooted in the practice of AYNI, which is reciprocity and solidarity among all members of the community. AYNI, based on the principle of "give and take," is essential for maintaining cohesion and harmony in Cusqueñan society. In an AYLLU, which is a group of families living in a territory and considering themselves a large spiritual family, the bonds of friendship and solidarity between compadres and comadres strengthen this sense of community and mutual collaboration.
🎉 A Celebration for Everyone: On this day, we celebrate not only the magic of the comadres but also the strength of the bonds among community members, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the foundations of a society where unity is essential through AYNI. It is a reminder that, through generosity, creativity, and solidarity, we can build a more united world full of opportunities for all.
🎊 Come and Join the Celebration! We invite you to be part of this unique celebration, where joy and camaraderie merge in an explosion of colors and smiles. May this day be filled with laughter, hugs, and unforgettable moments with your compadres and comadres! Happy day of compadres and comadres to all! 🎉🌟
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