UJ #17 - Traditional Peru

DECEMBER | CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS
Diego Nishiyama
Millions of people across the globe come together over
the Christmas holidays to enjoy a special time with their
loved ones. Despite this being a worldwide event, each
country’s essence is reflected in the unique way they
celebrate this festivity.
In Peru there is a great amount of syncretism between the
original, regional rituals, and the later imposed Catholic
religion. Thus, it is common for each area of the country
to incorporate their unique customs into celebrations,
some of which reflect traditions and characteristics that
range from the weather to the general temperament of
the population.
In Cusco’s Main Square, December 24th brings with it
hundreds of artisans who line the sidewalks with their
handmade products. Known as Santuranticuy, this is the
city’s most important Christmas tradition, dating back to
Herbs, incense,
and other
elements come
together to
complement
traditional
nativity scenes.
viceroyal times, when artisans gathered from near and far
in hopes to make money.
At the fair, shoppers can purchase a variety of figurines
made from clay or carved from wood in order to assemble
their own nativity scenes. The Niño Manuelito is the main
figure sold here, an interesting representation of a young
Jesus with white skin, light eyes, and Andean garments.
Over in Ayacucho, however, there is a different nativity
representation of equal importance: the retablo. Rather
than collecting various pieces to create a composition,
like in the Cusco nativity scenes, the retablos are one,
Walking the
Santiranticuy, one
can appreciate
history-infused
art from many
Andean towns.
LimaTours
Diego Nishiyama
THE WORD SANTIRANTICUY COMES
FROM A COMBINATION OF QUECHUA
WORDS: ‘SANTU,’ WHICH MEANS SAINT,
AND ‘TICUY,’ WHICH MEANS SALE.
THUS, SANTIRANTICUY MEANS ‘SALE OF
SAINTS.’
78
The retablos from Ayacucho stand out for their
colors and fine craftsmanship.