Last night, I had the opportunity to march in my first Peruvian Parade. The occasion: Inti Raymi, a Cuscanean holiday devoted to the sun god. The parade consists of almost every business, community, or group marching up Avenida El Sol into the plaza, where they are announced to the mayor of Cusco. The parade starts in the morning, and goes into the night. (I was trying to figure out who would stand on the side of the road and watch such a parade. It was fun to be in, but I can't imagine it would be all that exciting to watch.)
We met up at the school, where they loaned all the teachers a blue poncho, and several students joined us (but they had to bring their own ponchos). We lined up right outside our building, waving little Maximo Nivel flags and chanting. The whole atmosphere was electric. People actually cheered for us (but then again, we were a pretty entertaining group, the gringos in ponchos, dancing around). We walked up Avenida El Sol, and into the plaza, setting off firecrackers. When we arrived at the mayor's post in front of the Cathedral, he was sitting in a tent on top of the stairs, flanked by other important looking people. When we were announced, he waved to us, and we waved back- and British Rob bowed to him, as I'm sure he's been instructed to do when meeting the Queen. It was much fun.
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