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CHICHA DE PIJUAYO FESTIVAL IN BRILLO NUEVO

Joining the Chicha de Pijuayo festival at Brillo Nuevo was a wonderful experience after visiting this village since 2008..... "I was still humbled by my fumbling debut (joining the dance) so I watched a few more dances until a woman came by, took my hand and brought me to her side in the outer ring. Men did not generally dance with women in this setting, but I appreciated that she patiently helped me gain some confidence to move in time with the others. During the next dance, I was equally grateful to Javan from Brillo Nuevo who motioned to me with his finger to join him in the middle of the men’s circle. I was far from perfect, but it began to feel more natural to move my feet and start to learn when and how to shake my rattle that artisan friend Jhimi had made for me the day before."