The Pilgrimage to the Snow Mountain

My Scholarship entry - A 'place' I have visited

PERU | Friday, 14 December 2012 | Views [370] | View Larger Image

After three days of dances, songs and prayers, the pilgrims leave. Their ritual 'cells' stay as well as some crap that contributes to the rapid melting of snow. This is a faith that moves (and melts) mountains.

It is a colorful spectacle. However the brotherhood of Qoyllur Riti, does not like tourists. “This is not a commercial show, like the Inti Raymi. I don’t want tourists taking pictures,” says an irritated authority, his breath making white figures.

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The stream of people walks more than eight miles during all the night, between cliffs and grasslands, enduring freezing temperatures and sliding all the time due to the night frost that wets their coats. Some carry candles, flags or blankets. Others carry children on their backs.

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The Pilgrimage to the Snow Mountain

My Scholarship entry - A 'place' I have visited

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