Festival Time !!!

For the past three days, the nearby town of Quillacollo has been celebrating the festival of the "Virgen de Urkupina" (Virgin Mary of Urkupina).

The first two days, there was an impressive 7 km parade offers  groups of marching dancers, bands and colourful costumes, making their way to the church. Once they arrive, the members get on their knees and receive a blessing from the priest. Each day, the parade last for 10 hours or so of continuous groups of dancers in varous themes and colours. There is also a tradition in the nearby rocky hill to break a piece off which is considered sacred and to return the same piece the following year to have a wish and blessing. There is also some ceremony to "Pachamama (mother earth) involving pouring alcohol around the rock that is to be broken off and making a toast. I always find it interesting how indigenous customs and traditions get integrated into Christian celebrations and practices.

Taking the night bus soon to Sucre. I have bought llama mittens, hat and scarf in anticipation of the colder days to come.