Agua, La Fiesta de (October)

In the mountains of the Peruvian Andes, the traditional religion of the indigenous people continues to be practiced alongside the Christianity taught by the Roman Catholic Church. 
The primary deities of the ancient faith are Inti, the sun god, also known as the patron deity of the former Inca Empire, and Pachamama, the mother of the world. The Incas considered Pachamama as a fertility goddess and thus is related to both planting and harvesting. She also caused earthquakes. In popular thought, she is often interchangeable with the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Pachamama has a special place in the village of San Pedro de Casta. Each October, she becomes the focus of the local Fiesta de Agua (Festival of Water). Preparation for the fiesta is accomplished by the cleaning and repairing of the irrigation ditches that connect the fields with the nearby Carhuayumac River. Then, on the first Sunday in October, after the invocation to Pachamama to flood the growing area with water, the gate at the river’s edge is opened and water begins to flow anew to the fields. A group of horsemen lead the water as it begins its journey from the river.

Though isolated, some 80 miles from Lima, the festive occasion attracts a large number of visitors. The arrival of the water at its destination is the occasion for a village-wide party with fresh foods and ample liquid refreshments, music, and dancing for the rest of the day. It is notable as an openly Pagan festival in an otherwise Catholic land.

References
Thompson, Sue Ellen, and Barbara W. Carlson, comp. Holidays, Festivals and Celebrations of the World Dictionary. Detroit, MI: Omnigraphics, 1994.