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Feast of the Jora in Cotacachi: Maintaining
Identity Through Culture
(page 2 of 2)
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| Related Photo Slide |
The chagra, hombre del campo, helps construct the identity
of the Andean man much as the "suit" constructs
the identity of the urban man. The chagra exemplifies
the ideals of hard physical work and the symbiotic relationship
between man and beast that is common throughout the Andes.
Chicha de jora: Drink of the gods and of identity
After enjoying a delicious lunch in one of the
many restaurants offering comida típica (typical
or traditional cuisine) and the inescapable chicha de
jora, we proceeded to the Plaza del Sol for the most anticipated
Best Chicha de Jora Contest. In the plaza, a large sculpture
of the indigenous Sun deity was a towering witness to
the annual event.
Tatiana Santos, Secretary of the Fiestas de la Jora Committee,
explained the purpose of this event: "The most traditional
aspect of the festivities is without a doubt the chicha
de jora. It is part of our costumes and traditions. We
want to strengthen our cultural identity through gastronomy.
This is why we hold this contest year after year."
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The contestants, all having their specific recipes handed down to
them generation to generation, gathered in the plaza. They carried
with them their chicha in vases made of barro and decorated with ears
of corn and other indigenous accessories. A judge stood in front of
them and began the process of tasting the chicha de jora. The sweetly
pungent smell of fermenting corn inundated the plaza. The municipal
band and other folklore bands took turns playing colorful local music.
In making his decision, the judge took four points into consideration:
the color, texture, taste and presentation of the jora. The winner
this year was Sr. Francisco Galindo, owner of the prestigious restaurant
of comida típica, La Tola.
The peculiar religiosity and indigenous
cosmovision that is present in a "typical" Andean
villages is evident in the Fiesta de la Jora. Daily rituals
and "religion" are combined. Existence becomes
one long celebration of life. In its most pure form, for
the indigenous, everything is intertwined: the Sun, its
products (maize), the deity (wacas) and humans (runas).
It is the responsibility of Man to connect and give glory
(and meaning) to all.
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