Christmas in Molinopampa..

Decorating trees aren’t quite as big as Nativity scenes in the houses and institutions.  Folks will grab greenery from around the area and customize their nacimientos (or Nativity scenes) to their liking each year.  Typically these go up about a week before the big day and are taken down during the Epiphany, on January 5th.

Our family has been raising a pig to finally prepare for this day and the killing and processing has gone relatively smoothly.  Long spike knife is thrust into the chest through the ‘armpit’ and most hairs are singed before cleaning out the guts.  That’s it.  Dry the animal for a couple hours then start cooking up chunks to enjoy.  Plenty of Paneton and Chocolatadas as well are around to enjoy.

Noe with the nacimiento at the municipality.

Just as with last year and many years past, the Chocolatadas with Panatons are in full effect. Here attending one in the annex of Casmal.

Andrea and Marysabel peeling yuka to go along with the tasty pig, Micha..

Jorge (son) and Rigo (butcher) cleaning out guts.

Hanging Micha to dry before slicing off skin for frying, chicharon chunks, cecina, cutlets (or pork chops), chorizo sausage, and feet for soup.

Andrea stuffing blood and cabbage sausage, or morcilla

Mayor Gilberto Perea Cruz and Treasurer Mari during Chocolatada.

Just as with last year, the Pastoritas were busy dancing complete with viejo (old guy) and negrito (black guy).

Andrea got to place the baby Jesus in the nacimiento at midnight.

Advertisements