Why is Pachamama Day or Mother Earth Day celebrated

On August 1, most of the indigenous peoples of Latin America, especially those of Peru , commemorate Pachamama Day or Mother Earth Day . The festival is an ancient custom towards the land in which the indigenous people express all their gratitude to the land. It is also an opportunity to ask and bless the fruits that Pachamama offers .

Origin of Pachamama Day

Pachamama Day is a tradition that comes from ancient times and was a common holiday for most Andean communities found in Peru , Ecuador, Bolivia, Argentina and Colombia.

During this day, indigenous peoples celebrate the close bond they have with Mother Earth. They perform the so-called Pachamama Payment Ceremony , through which the participants purify and commit to act as true guests of the earth. In return, they ask the Pachamama to protect them and bless them with good harvests for their inhabitants.

The ritual consists of burying a clay pot with cooked food in a place near the house. In addition to food, they also put coca, alcohol, wine, beer, cigarettes, coca leaves, the fetus of an Andean animal, coins and the typical lliqlla.

The idea is to make Pacha Mama eat, drink and smoke. When the ceremony is over, wood or firewood is placed in the hole, everything is wrapped and finally set on fire to be consumed by it and finally covered with earth.

During the ceremony, participants drink beer, consume typical dishes and celebrate with dances and music.