Inti Raymi festival continued

more dance routines

young dancers present an offering with spiritual significance to the judges 

dancers with a pole used during the winter celebration with Wikis

a different dance troupe with more offerings 

Emmett still waiting as the night wears on...

the pageant contestants 

the beauty contestants 

view of Saraguro from our hotel 

Emmett dancing at Inti Raymi at 2:30 AM

Below are some still photos taken from an iPhone movie of Emmett and the troupe dancing.   If you look dancers' faces, you can see real joy.   The pictures really don't capture the fast paced exuberance of the dancers.  

Emmett dancing at San Antonio festival

On Saturday night Emmett danced at a festival in San Antonio honoring their patron saint.   I estimate there were a few hundred people who watched the exhibition.   Over the past few months, Emmett has practiced most days, usually 2-3 hours at a time.   Sometimes they practice twice per day.    The dance troupe consists of mostly Saraguro teenagers and young adults who choreograph dances for exhibitions and competitions.    Traditional dancing seems to be an integral part of Saraguro culture.    In addition to the young adult dance troupes, Saraguro elders dance during cultural events.   There is a spiritual dimenstion to the traditional dances.     Last night, the first dance of each dance troupe incorporated a homage to San Antonio.  Typically, the costumes have spiritual meaning.   Last night Emmett danced wearing a mask that was called the "diablo", or devil.     Kate and I are very proud of Emmett.     He joined the Saraguro dance troupe entirely on his own.    Emmett often plays soccer with older boys and young men.     Through his soccer friends he was invited to join the dance troupe.    Although all of the dancers have fun, their time and dedication to practice clearly demonstrates how important this cultural tradition is for them.   Emmett's energy, focus and propensity to have fun on the soccer field I am sure led to his invitation to join the dance troupe.    I consider it an honor for Emmett to be invited to participate in the Saraguro dance troupe.    Today Emmett and the dance troupe will travel four hours to the city of Saraguro, where they will compete in a dance competition.    It is exciting to see Emmett and his friends commit themselves to such an important endeavor while having so much fun.

Emmett, Lourdes and Diego

Emmett and the Poma family from left, Lourdes, Diego, Jecca and Jorzy

proud dad and son

Jorzy and Janeth

fireworks before the dances started 

the church in San Antonio

Diego, John and Emmett

Patty and Emmett

Emily displaying painting of San Antonio

Emmett and Jecca dancing 

Poma family party and Landy children dance at a school assembly in the center of Guadalupe

One evening four neighborhood boys, Fernando, Leechi, Milton and Luis rang our doorbell and offered to sell me the live baby possum they are holding.   They mentioned something about the medicinal benefits of the possum blood. 

Emmett and his friend, Jorzy, at the Poma family reunion.   The men/boys played with 2 legs tied together against the women who were able to play independently.   Emmett and Annalise know the Poma family from school, and Emmett dances and plays soccer with many of the Poma family members.   They gave Emmett a personalized Poma family "T-shirt" 

The children played musical chairs

The Poma family posing for a family photo (with Annalise and Emmett)

Emmett and the Saraguro traditional dance troupe practicing in the rain 

Emmett and Annalise practicing Saraguro dance at school

Emmett and Annalise at a school assembly in the center of town.   Each school presented craft displays.   Emmett is at their school table demonstrating traditional jewelry making. 

Emmett and his classmates

Annalise and Luz (with Yuric and Natalyn behind them)

the public elementary school made flower pots.  

Emmett and Annalise dancing at the school assembly

A and E dancing at the school assembly 

practicing in the rain 

Saraguro dancers from another school