cuicocha

This is Cotacachi’s most important demonstration of cultural syncretism and religious devotion. It is an authentic intercultural expression in which religious processions take place during the day and the evening, in which both Quichua and Mestizo population participate. Legendary characters and religious symbols from the native communities are displayed, like the Guiding Women and the Andean cross, mixed with catholic symbols. From ancient times, this celebration has been associated to the worshiping of life, earth, the flowering of nature and the beginning of the new agrarian year, “MUSHUK NINA” (New Fire).