The Inti Raymi is one of the most important ancestral celebrations for the indigenous peoples of the Latin American Andes. It is a holiday that marks the solstice and the beginning of the harvest season. In 2020, due to the Covid-19 crisis, communities have had to modify their traditions. During Covid-19 time, leaders organize Temazcal rituals more frequently as they claim this keeps them healthy and virus free. All Photos by ISADORA ROMERO.
Leonidas Iza, president of the Cotopaxi Indigenous Agriculture Movement, leads a Temazcal ceremony at his home in the community of San Isidro, Ecuador. “The pandemic has made us look at and learn more about our ancient medicine."
(From left to right) Patricia Yallico, Danilo Copara, Manolo Velazques, Johnny Alajo, Diego Vaca, Wilmer Umajinga Apawi Castro, Narcisa Lozano and Leonidas Iza.
Narcisa Lozano and Leonidas Iza preparing the Temazcal tent.
Iza preparing to heat stones used in the Pachamanka, an ancestral food. Usually 500 people attend, but due to coronavirus, only a few came while the rest watched on Facebook Live.
Patricia Yallico and Danilo Copara from San Ignacio during an early ceremony of Temazcal. This ceremony includes telling good wishes for the days to come.
(L to R) Apawki Castro, Manolo Velazques, Johnny Alajo and Diego Vaca preparing to get in the Temazcal during a morning ritual celebrating Inti Raymi.
Maria Sacatoro during the modified Inti Raymi celebration.
Wilmer Umajinga during a Temazcal ceremony.
Narcisa de Jesús Lozano, resting during a Temazcal ceremony for Inti Raymi Celebration in Cotopaxi, Ecuador. During Covid-19 time, leaders organize Temazcal rituals more frequently as they claim this keeps them healthy and virus free
Wilmer Umajinga during a Temazcal ceremony for Inti Raymi Celebration in Cotopaxi, Ecuador.
Eucalyptus used for the Temazcal ceremony.
Sarawi Iza filming the ceremony of Temascal in San Isidro Community, Ecuador.
Narcisa de Jesús Lozano in her house during the celebration.
Two puppies playing in Cotopaxi, Ecuador during Inti Raymi celebrations in 2020.
Members of San Isidro community.
Preparing the Pachamanka, an ancestral food.
Pachamanka, a traditional community meal.
A cow and an empty classroom in San Isidro Community during Inti Raymi celebrations.
Iza family at the end of the Inty Raymi celebration in San Isidro, community, Cotopaxi, Ecuador.