Xmas Eve in Peru is a special time in Peru. We spent the afternoon in the Santurantikuy Market in the Plaza. It is fascinating. This custom goes back to the arrival of the Spanish. People from far out communities come to get together and sell their wares - it's a social event and whole families gather. There are all sorts of market stalls, but many of them are selling items for Nativity scenes. Even the smallest children are working selling things or packaging items for sale.
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| Gingerbread was delicious!!! |
It's interesting that there are so many of the figurines for Nativity scenes are European characters. In most instances, figurines are purchased individually, as well as all items for the scene. There are lots of stalls selling clothing items, in many different sizes for Baby Jesus. So many ... and so elaborate!!!!
But there are also many different Nativity sets from various Peruvian regions - Incan, Coastal, Spanish, Jungle. And all different sizes. Only bought one .... but would love to buy several different ones.
The plan was to go our separate ways and meet up at Norton's Bar when we were done (or lost). Lex and I did one lane ... heading straight to Nortons (which is also how you can change large notes because market stalls generally can't). I also wanted to survey and photograph the scene from the balcony - best spot. However we were spotted by Zac from across the plaza - he rang, thinking, "They can't be finished yet!!! Dad's probably had enough and dragged Mum up there, Maybe she needs rescuing." LOL - I was fine and returned to the market on my own shortly after - so much to see ... and buy. I came back broke, of course.
Have seen some lovely Xmas trees - decorated with little dolls, alpacas and colourful hats (usually sold as keyrings) but there's also Xmas baubles made from local textiles and lots of local handcrafted decorations that look so cute.
I had a great time ... and met up with the others, already back at Norton's.
But there are two sides to everything - the other side of this amazing market is the poverty of many of the people. Many are indigenous people from remote areas - the bundles that they sit amongst contain not only their wares for sale, but also bedding for camping in the plaza.
On our way back into town for the evening, whenever our taxi stopped, young children ran out to us, tapping at the windows with hands out, begging. Women and children sat amongst their bundles on the footpath, also begging- hats and hands outstretched. It's very confronting. Another lesson n life.
This family wasn't begging - but I did pay for the photo.
In the evening we went to church, and then out to dinner. During the evening, a couple of times, very small children came into the restaurant asking diners for money. One little girl particularly, side-stepped the waiter several times, flitting to different tables, before he managed to gently coax her to the door. He managed the
situation well actually.
From there we headed to Norton's to await the fireworks. By this time the plaza was emptying, and the cleaners were kept very busy.
From the balcony, I noticed a queue rapidly form behind a vehicle. ONE man was trying to gain some sort of order as he attempted to distribute something in small plastic bags to the mass. It was hopeless. The queue surged forward and dozens of others jumped into the front of the queue. Not sure what was in the bags, but I had to wonder if it was worth it. I'm sure many left empty handed and disappointed.
Fireworks had been going off most of the evening - not really an uncommon sound around Cusco. But as midnight approached, the sounds became more frequent and at midnight the hillsides lit up as people who had purchased fireworks at the market proceeded to let them off. Not the sort of orchestrated fireworks displays we see in Australia, but spectacular all the same. Initially, I had expected the only type of 'display' we know - another lesson in life for me.
[Many more photos in the Return to Cusco slideshow, top right on the blog page.]
The night was not over yet .... home after 1am and time to open some of the Xmas presents - that's the way it's done here in Peru.
Thanks Zac and Milka for such an amazing day.
Not too bad - bed by 2am..... headache and a few hours sleep before we continue with Xmas celebrations... Gotta love Xmas!!
Wearing new clothes seems to be another tradition - and clothing shops have been very busy leading up to New Year. We are going out to a party New Year's Eve, so there have been nightly sessions, working out what everyone was going to wear. My turn last night, and I was asked what was I planning to wear, did I have options? No, but I planned to go shopping the following day. I bought 2 blouses - so now I have options. What an achievement - shopping by myself, asking to try on several tops (in very cramped conditions) - in the right size! Couldn't manage that in France a couple of years ago. Success I say.
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