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| ©Krystian Bielatowicz | ||||
| Pielgrzymi (Pilgrims) | ||||
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Reportaż o pielgrzymce do Qoyllur Riti: tutaj Qoyllur Riti is one of the most important sanctuaries in South America. Tens of thousands Peruvians go on a ritual pilgrimage to sanctuary located 4500 meters above sea level each and every year, just few days before Corpus Christi. The pilgrimage starts in Mahuayani, all pilgrims while climbing the mountain pray together and offer goods to God, leaving them at 14 crosses which stand along the way. The sanctuary is surrounded by a huge camping-site right below the Sinakara Peak. Three days and three nights (during the full-moon) pilgrims are dancing and praying altogether. There is a sacred stone (huaca) inside the temple on which Christ is shown. It is said that Qoyllur Riti has been celebrated annually since the Wonderful Revelation of Jesus in 1780. Nonetheless, some anthropologists suggest that the holiday has its roots in precolumbian era. People as well pray to Apu (god) - the highest peak. On the last day of celebrations, before the sun rises, few dancing groups climb the glacier where they pray to Senor Qoyllur Riti. Afterwards they decorate the cross with Jesus' effigy on it and go back to sanctuary where the main Holy Mass is being celebrated. Like many of precolumbian holidays in South America, Qoyllur Riti was attached to Catholic ceremonies as well. The Andes / Peru 2006 |
 
 
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