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COTACACHI. SEPTEMBER 19, 2004. In the cosmovision of the indigenous people of the Andes, maize or wild corn occupies a special place. Not only is corn the staple crop for the indigenous, but maize is also a sort of deity requiring celebration and respect. In the Fiesta de la Jora, held during the Winter Equinox, an alcoholic beverage made of corn, chicha de jora, is used to praise Inti (the sun God) and to usher in the planting season. As we were to discover, chicha is the central focus of the fiesta.

In the city of Cotacachi, our destination for a weekend outing, the Jora festivities have evolved into a cultural symbol of the town and its inhabitants. The fiesta is celebrated with a plethora of cultural, sporting and ancestral events which help cement communal identity--an important buffer for a community facing a homogenizing, Wal Mart led world.

Cotacachi
Cotacachi (pop. 37,000) is located in the Imbabura province, 5 kilometers northwest of Otavalo and 100 kilometers north from Quito. The city is famous for its prolific and quality leather industry. Cotacachi presents itself as a tourist destination and rightly so. The city mixes its indigenous and colonial heritage harmoniously under the tutelage of Auki Tituaña, its indigenous mayor. First-rate hotels and restaurants are not hard to find and include the world famous resort/spa "La Mirage." In addition, natural wonders are within easy reach and include the Crater Lake Cuicocha and Mt. Cotacachi--both part of the expansive and diverse Ecological Reserve Cotacachi-Cayapas.

A Homegrown Triathlon and the Paseo del Chagra
On Saturday, Cotacahi greeted us with its colorful Confraternidad Parade. The parade encompassed local and civic bands, dance groups and scholastic presentations. On Sunday, the main festival day, we were treated to three events central to Cotacahi's festivities: the Triathlon, the Paseo del Chagra and the Best Chicha de Jora contest.