Cusco revalues ancestral Salt from Maras extraction with Kachi Raymi staging

The Salt Pans of Maras in Peru recently hosted the inaugural "Kachi Raymi" or Salt Festival, a cultural event aimed at celebrating and preserving the ancient practice of salt extraction. This festival featured over 200 participants, including actors portraying historical figures such as the ancient pre-Inca ruler Toqay Q'apaq, Ayar Kachi from the Cusco legend, and local communities known as Ayllus.

Staging director Ronald Huallpa noted that the performance was crafted using chronicles, research, and archaeological findings, giving it significant historical and cultural value for future generations. The event depicted scenes where the Ayllus, followed by Toqay Q'apaq and Ayar Kachi, entered the salt pools. Ayar Kachi, who taught locals how to extract and process salt, is shown playing a pivotal role in the community's salt production and distribution.

The festival highlighted how salt, a crucial resource since ancient times, has been integral to life alongside water and sunlight. Chairman Edwin Pizarro of the Maras Sal company mentioned that they have envisioned "Kachi Raymi" for nearly a decade and plan to make it an annual event coinciding with Peru's Independence Day. This cultural festival not only celebrates the historical significance of the Salt Pans but also aims to boost tourism and economic development. Currently, 663 families from the Pichingoto and Maras Ayllus manage the Salt Pans, ensuring their preservation and continued operation.