Description

Set high in the Andes and just a short drive from the city of Cusco, is the quaint mountain town of Pisac. Some folks go to see the ruins, some go to visit the outdoor market, still others go to explore the emerging expat community. I went for the Festival De La Virgen Del Carmen, and I was floored by the spirit of the people here. They are a joyful bunch.

July 16 marked the grand opening of the Festival, a three day celebration that begins in the morning and continues well into the night. There is music, dancing, costumes, pageantry, and a whole lot of fun. The camaraderie  here is enormous. To top all that off, the beer is free. These people do not appear to have an excess of anything material,  yet they have enough to share. I could probably take a lesson from them.

Troops of locals are dressed up in historically significant costumes, parading and dancing through the streets, There are devils, long nosed Spaniards, black faces, girls in fanciful dresses. It's all colorful, it's all lively, and it is all a sight to behold.

Every street is bustling with life. Vendors offer typical Peruvian dishes cooked right there. On the corner, cuy  and papas (guinea pig and potatoes) fry in sizzling oil on an open flame.  Just a few stalls down a women grills thinly sliced pieces of heart on skewers. Across the way, someone is selling several varieties of boiled maze. There is a quaint bar next to all of this serving delicious ice cold Pisco sours. Lively music pours out of almost every store front. This place is a frenzy of happy activity. 

On a side note, we stayed at Nicholas' airbnb. He is also patron of LChemie restaurant. He told us about the growing ex pat community that is civic minded and doing great things. I am anxious to go back and explore this part of Pisac.

Photos