SANTURANTIKUY CHRISTMAS FAIR

Santurantikuy Christmas Fair

Christmas is almost here and there are many different celebrations around the world. Cusco city has a very particular way to celebrate it!

Every year hundreds of artisans, embroiderers, weavers and ceramist from many towns of Cusco and other regions of the country meet on December 24^th in the Main Square of that city (and nearby streets) for  the Santurantikuy, the biggest Christmas fair of Peru.

Santurantikuy is a Quechua word that means Sale of Saints (Santu means saints and Ticuy means sale) whose origins go back to the days of the Spanish Vice-royalty.

The market begins early in the morning and most everyone, tourists and locals (especially families) visit the Square to appreciate this feast. Local people use to buy all the necessary for their nativity scenes such as Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph, animals like sheep, cows, donkeys, the three magic kings, etc.

Typical Nativity scene

The central figure of the Christmas fair is the Niño Manuelito, the Andean version of the newborn Jesus. Manuelito child image has been created by the artisans with different attitudes. His body seems to have Indian skin and keeps his arms open as a sign of welcome. Others have sculpted, tired and almost asleep, sometimes thoughtful and cheerful. Also there are crawling with head trying to stand up.

Niño Manuelito

Besides baby Manuelito, you’ll find the other Nativity figures -all with an Andean touch-, as well as saint’s images.  Much appreciated are the boxed scenes, known as Retablos, whose small figurines can represent almost every aspect of live, secular or sacred, though for the occasion you’ll almost only find Nativity scenes. 

Retablo

Other crafts that are easy to find are Decorative Ceramics, Works in Wood and bark, Thumbnail and watermark, Artistic chandlery, Silverware, Paintings of the Cuzco School, textiles like blankets, among many others. Herbs and plants are also part of the fair.

The atmosphere is lively, there’ll be food vendors offering Cusco’s brand of street food, and as the day continues and the weather cools you can buy some ponche or hot chocolate to heat up.

Typical Handicrafts

If you would like to have a different Christmas, come to Peru and visit Cusco. 

We assure you that you will have an unforgettable time!

 

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