Cuyo Grande

I have returned to Peru and had to hit the ground running. Last week, I was honoured to be part of a tree-planting ceremony in the community of Cuyo Grande in the Sacred Valley. A lack of vegetation on the steep slopes above the community makes them vulnerable to extreme downpours that are becoming more frequent as the climate changes. 

My friend Hubert, in conjunction with The Blue House, donated 150 trees to be planted and the money to make it happen. Slow-growing native Pisonay and Qeuña trees were planted to stabilize the soil, along with introduced pine trees which encourage the propagation of pine mushrooms for the people to harvest. 

A ceremony giving thanks to Pachamama (Mother Earth) was held at a sacred site on top of the mountain where ancient ruins of the Hauri civilization have stood for two thousand years. The location for the ceremony had to be moved to inside the ruins because telecommunication towers were recently built on the sacred site on the mountaintop by the government in partnership with corporations. This was done without consulting the community and demonstrates the disregard for the people. 

The community, on the other hand, demonstrated their respect and generosity by welcoming me and having me plant a tree so that my brief time there would be lasting. Being included in the tree planting and participating in the ceremony was an honour and very moving. At the end of the day, they cooked a meal of cuy & papas (guinea pig & potatoes) Once again, I am impressed by the hearts of the people here who have so little and give so much. 

After the tree-planting ceremony, the community of Cuyo Grande celebrated. The community members gathered around vats of hot chocolate that were shared with panettone (a popular sweet bread here).  After the people enjoyed hot chocolate and panettone, gifts of toys, sports equipment, school supplies, and personal hygiene items were distributed to the community. 

This was all arranged by Hubert and The Blue House. Approximately 20 people made cash donations to buy the food and gifts as well as to arrange transportation. Friends and family donated their time over three days to get all the supplies, organize them, and transport them for the day of celebration. 

In a small community like Cuyo Grande, which is situated high above the popular Sacred Valley, it is easy to get overlooked. This was something that Hubert and his team could do to help out in a place where a little can go a long way. I am thankful that I could be included.

Gracias hermano