The Land of Adeventures - Arequipa

Arequipa is a dessert town that is often over looked by toursits. They come for a day or two before passing onto Cuzco. As usual we stayed longer than most, for about a week in total. We have enjoyed the festivites as they celebrated their 468th birthday. We didn`t take our camera out into the crowds too often. Alot of what we see is sort of becoming normal to us ( how strange!!!) We visited a few museums but mostly just wandered around enjoying the warm weather ( mid 20s,) the people, the food and the park ( here they call them La Plaza De Armas.) It`s been laid back, giving us plenty of time to recuperate and catch up with people. The hostel we`ve stayed at had a wonderful kitchen that is fully equiped though they only have a single stove element and we`ve taken advantage of that.

Here`s a few things about parties in Arequipa .....

• So in Canada it is common to see people throw candy off of floats during parades. You can`t imagine what they were throwing to the crowds!!! Dried guinea pig, fruits and veggies were some of what got tossed in our direction. You gotta be quick if you are going to snag a cauliflower or watermelon from mid air!!


• The last part of one of the parade was about 20 donkeys dressed up and being led around. And just behind them was the stoop and scoop crowd. As soon as the parade was done people mill about everywhere so we were impressed with how prompt the cleaning job was. Very thoughtful!!!


• Most of the groups in the parade were people dressed in traditional costumes. Couples danced togther, with the women often waving hankerchiefs towards the sky. The clothes and dances are a way of telling what region a person is from, their social status and other such things. It is fabulous to watch. They go all out.
  
• As best as we can figure out the parade is actually judged. Close to the end of the route a booth is set up and local politicians or people sit and watch as groups pass. They put on their best act and sometimes it takes quite a while. But everyone behind them waits patiently. It would be neat if there was some monetary gift or recognition.
• Some groups have live music as people play local instruments. Plus there are the usual bands tht play all sorts of tune.
• Local companies, even banks participate in parades. Workers wear their uniforms ( a big deal out here) and march. It is one guys job to make sure that they march in line. Some groups are professional and have it down pat, others need the instruction. We were watching from a great vantage point. It was comical to see the parade in motion and this guy trying to straigthen them out.
• Everyone particpiates, the young and the old. Often the older people are musicians and babies are carried on moms` backs.