It was a pleasant surprise to find out that there would be an Aymara new year celebration less than two hours away from us. With a little research, and not much info, we found out that we would have to travel out of the city two hours to the west to get to the ruins of Tiwanaku. Here the Aymara from all over South America would gather to catch the first rays of light through the temple gateway.
We asked out lovely hotel for info and they looked a little shocked. They warned us that before the sun rose a party would be going on all night long before. Oh well we wanted to see the experience for ourselves.
Leaving the hotel at the wee hours of 2:30 am we were on our way. With the high altitude, winter, and nighttime it was freezing. Slowly the car ride got colder and colder as the taxi did not have heat? At least we think he didn't. We tried everything with our little bit of Spanish but he didn't get the picture. My mom and I huddled close.
We slept most of the way except for when we reach checkpoints. Throughout the night we passed a few of them where the police would check drivers license, passports, and such.
When we arrived it was packed with people. All along the roads people had tents set up to camp out and fires burning. As our driver helped us get tickets and put us in line we saw how massive this event really was. Once our driver left we jumped out of line to check what was going on with the fires everywhere. Down the street more and more fires were lit right in the road as locals danced and drank the night away.
Eventually we joined back in the line to wait to get into the site. Being that we were tourists we actually got to skip line for once! Following the line of people through he grounds we came to the spot where the sun would come up, at least we thought so. In the pitch black it was impossible to figure out where the gate was but the crowd was there so it seemed right.
Then we waited and froze. I probably lost a toe or two that night. Then we waited some more. I never realized just how long it takes for a sun to appear. It seemed so light yet no sun.
The Aymara people began to play music and their rainbow flags waved in the air. A huge fire began to burn as the head chanted some prayers to pachamama, the earth God.
Slowly hands shot into the air to wait for that first beam of light. Music erupted and everyone fell silent as the sun made its appearance over the mountains. I can truly say it's one of the most magical and spiritual experiences I've had. To see a group of people that still band together in their believes and worship the earth and sun.
Once the official ceremony was over people walked around the grounds to touch the sun at the gate, give offerings to pachamama, and meet with the leaders.
The fire pit was crammed with people throwing offerings such as coco leaves.
A group played traditional music so everyone could dance.
The leader proudly walked around getting pictures with people.
My mom and I got the sun through the gate!
And everyone went around greeting and hugging each other.
Around 8 am we slowly made it back to our driver and started back towards la Paz for more fun activities!
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