December 24 – Santuranticuy

nPostednon December 24, 2015

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nInread that the Main Square, or plaza, of Cusco, Peru, seems to bentransformed at Christmas time. Local artisans and sculptors bring outntheir best works and exhibit them on blankets laid out on thensidewalks, just like traditional Andean fairs.

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Thisnfestival’s name, Santuranticuy,ncan be translated as “Sale of the Saints.” Many of the itemsnoffered for sale are religious figures and figurines for nativitynscenes. Miniature animals are also offered for sale – even animalsnthat don’t appear in the average nativity scene. Of course there arenother handcrafted items, as well—everything from backpacks andnjewelry to dolls and toy trucks. This is one of the largest arts andncrafts fairs in Peru. n

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nNaturally,nsome vendors sell refreshments and food. At night, street vendorsnsell a traditional hot, sweet rum punch called ponche.

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nInread that some very poor families come to Cusco for Santuranticuynfrom the country; they spend a few nights at the Main Square, evennthough there is little shelter from rain or cold. They bring herbsnthat they have grown and offer them for sale. Many of these herbngrowers don’t speak Spanish, but instead speak Quechua. n

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nSomenorganizations rally to help these poor families. They offer them freenhot chocolate and panetónn(Peruvian Christmas cake), and they give gifts to the children.nCarvana Cusco volunteers wear colorful clown costumes, and theynentertain the children from these poor families with music,nstorytelling, theater and mime.

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nWithnso many people coming together – with the nativity figuresnrepresenting the religious portion of Christmas – with kindnessnextended to the needy representing the secular values of giving andncompassion – Santuranticuynseems to be a wonderful December 24^thntradition!

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