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Occurs in
the week before Corpus Christi and also in September
Qoyllority
is a Quechua word which means Shining Snow, and in Quechua "The Lord
of Qoyllority" translates as Taytacha Qoylloriti. This an old religious
procession that is practiced by those who live in the high Andes. Every
year, days before the celebration of Corpus Christi, every small village
or clan sends a delegation with colorful dancers and "pauluchas"
to the Chapel of the Señor (or Lord) of Qoylloriti. This Chapel
is situated spectacularly at the base of the Sinakara mountain, some hours
walk above the village of Mawayany, at 4600 meters above sea level. It
has spectacular views of the much venerated Apu, Ausangate.
Also spelt Senor de Qollyr Riti/Qoyllur Riti/Colloritty
The "pauluchas"
are costumed dancers who carry alpacas and are intermediaries between
the Lord Qoylloriti and his men. They begin their climb of the Sinakara
glacier at 4am, a ritual where they ask for their animals to grow well.
They go back with an iceblock or a block of snow which they use to purify
humanity. They are charged with taking care of the small stream in the
mountains. The origin of the small holy stream is explained by a legend.
According to the most well-known version, a mestizo boy with blond hair
and rough looks, helped a alpaca shepherd take care of his animals. The
father of the shepherd heard of this, and in order to thank the boy for
helping him with the animals, he decided to make new clothes for him of
best quality. The Bishop of Cusco was interested by this story and wanted
to get to know the young boy, and asked the people of the church of Ocongate
to investigate the situation. The people of the church didn't discover
the boy, who disappeared and the shepherd died of sadness. At the place
where this occurred an image appeared of the crucified Christ, reflected
in a rock. It is here you can find the Templo del Señor de Qoylloriti,
which is constructed over the rock.
The Ten
Nations or ten brotherhoods that belong to Paucartambo, Qusipicanchis
and Tahuantinsuyo provinces attend the event. Masses, ascents to Mount
Sinakara and simulated battles lead to the cohesion of all the brotherhoods
and make this a very special and colorful festivity, surrounded by the
cold of the awesome scenery.
During
the celebration, the people that have participated in the procession praise
Our Lady of Fatima and ask for good luck in business, life and the future.
The end
of the procession takes place at the ancient Inca capital of Cusco with
the celebrations of Corpus Christi, when the streets filled with people
and the squares with music and color.
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© A.Svenson 2005. The design, content and photographs (except where noted) are 100% original. The majority of our treks were designed by Apus Peru.
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