Written by:
peru.travel
Wednesday, December 15, 2021
The traditional nativity scene representing the Chopcca community - from the Huancavelica region, located in the central Andes of Peru - was inaugurated and blessed by Pope Francis in an emotional ceremony held in St. Peter's Square in the Vatican City. The celebration was attended by authorities of the highest Catholic body, as well as representatives of PROMPERÚ. Thus, for 45 days from December 10, 2021, the entire world will be able to appreciate a significant sample of Peru's art, culture, tradition, biodiversity, and geographic diversity.
People from all over the world will have the opportunity to get closer to Peru with this artistic display, where a Peruvian nativity scene has been chosen as the symbol of Christmas 2021 in the Vatican. This unprecedented representation, which is a space to visualize the traditions and idiosyncrasy of the Peruvian Andes, was made in the framework of the celebrations for the Bicentennial of the Independence of Peru.
The 30 pieces that are appreciated stand out for the diversity of their colors. Credit: PromPerú.
In addition to being the protagonist of the Christmas celebrations at the Vatican, the Peruvian nativity scene will serve as a window for potential tourists who will appreciate this magnificent production with Peruvian motifs. In every corner of the space provided in St. Peter's Square -considered one of the most important spaces in the Catholic city- for the construction of the nativity scene of the community of Chopcca, the workmanship of the artisans from Huancavelica can be appreciated.
A true art work
The nativity scene is a full-scale replica of the typical Huancavelican nativity scene of the community of Chopcca. Five artisans who are experts in Huancavelican imagery participated in its creation and the 30 pieces that can be seen -made in fiberglass, maguey (agave), plaster and glued canvas- stand out for the diversity of their colors. The images are decorated with the typical clothing of the community of Chopcca and will be in a stable with rustic characteristics of the countryside, so that those present in the heart of the Catholic church can recreate in their minds the nature and architecture of Huancavelica.
In addition to the sacred images, there will be the presence of typical animals of the region such as llamas, condors, sheep, alpacas, condors, vicuñas, vizcachas, flamingos and Andean geese. The Three Wise Kings will carry organic products with high nutritional properties that Peru exports to the world. And instead of camels, they will ride llamas, an ancestral animal that was a symbol of the Inca Empire.
Likewise, the shepherds will carry in their arms small alpaca calves, another South American camelid native to Peru. Finally, the decoration of this Peruvian nativity scene would not be complete without the presence of the Angelito Chopcca, who plays his Wajrapuco -a wind instrument made from cow or bull horns that is typical of the Andes- announcing the arrival of the baby Jesus.
The 30 pieces that are appreciated stand out for the diversity of their colors. Credit: PromPerú.
Source: PROMPERÚ
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