(1 Aug 2014) Dozens of people gathered high up in the mountains around Bolivia's capital La Paz as the sun rose on Friday to make offerings to Mother Earth, asking for good fortune in the year ahead.
Wrapped up in coats and hats, the faithful stood amongst the snow tipped peaks burning offerings of sweets, fake money, incense and other items to implore Mother Earth to grant them riches and good health.
"It's a ritual that we take part in as Bolivians to ask Mother Earth, our God, out creator, for good fortune and to ask for what we have, good health, well-being," explained Cesar Soria, who was taking part in the ceremony.
The Shaman presiding over Friday's ritual, Nora Machicado, said the first of August marked the day when the earth was open and hungry to receive the offerings with all its heart.
According to tradition, August is the month during which hundreds of people climb up to the stone altars perched high in the mountains, where it is said the gods of the Andes reside, to make offerings and requests to Mother Earth.
Find out more about AP Archive: [ Ссылка ]
Twitter: [ Ссылка ]
Facebook: [ Ссылка ]
Instagram: [ Ссылка ]
You can license this story through AP Archive: [ Ссылка ]
