It seems that here in Peru they are always celebrating something.  They have more vacations than any school in the States!  This month was the celebration of Mamicha Carmen.  This celebration is mostly for those who live in Pisac, but Cusco also has several parades in honor of her as well.  Mamicha Carmen was  buried in the 1800’s under where a hotel for tourists now sits.  When they dug her up, her body was decayed and broken but her face was in perfect condition.  They celebrate her as some sort of miracle by having a day of dances in the main square.  They also have parades during this one specific week and drink more than I have seen during any other celebration here in Pisac.  As we sat and ate dinner one night before youth meeting, it was sad watching the people parade by, blowing their instruments and dancing for all they were worth.  They have several different costumes that they wear, one being masks the men wear. With these on they are allowed to steal during these specific couple of days.  They can walk into a store and take what they want and it is ok because of the celebrations.  It’s a very sad and dark time!  We did not have much of a turn out for the youth meeting that night, but we sat and played music, sang, and played games with the few youth that did come.

Robyn Hodges, TEAM Peru