Papa Wata Ceremony : A peruvian ritual potato

Peru is known as the birthplace of the potato, and the cultivation of this vegetable is deeply rooted in the country's tradition and culture. The rituals surrounding the planting and harvesting of potatoes hold great significance for Peruvian farmers. These rituals symbolize the connection between man, the land, and the deities.

To support the native potatoes and cultivate that respect, in 2002, five rural Quechua communities in the highlands joined with a local non-governmental organization to found the Parque de la Papa, or Potato Park. It covers about 35 square miles, encompassing the communities, which are home to 6,000 people. The park curates more than 1,000 varieties of native potatoes. There’s also a museum, a greenhouse, and a restaurant (potato-themed, of course). A team of eight Quechua technicians selected by their communities receive salaries to conduct experiments, study topics like climate change and food security, and keep the park running.

This resistance to pathogens and ability to survive under harsh conditions is what interests scientists in wild potatoes, along with the fact that wild species have more genetic variation than cultivated species. Of the 156 species of wild potato plants in the world, three can be found in the park.

The park is now home to some 7,000 people who work together to develop medicinal plants, participate in weaving and cuisine cooperatives, boost tourism, and contribute to cutting-edge potato research. As self-declared papa arariwa, or “potato guardians,” they incorporate traditional spiritual values and practices into the park’s everyday operations. “We believe the spirit of the potato is sacred, and it exists in the entire potato, down to its skin,” Apacusi tells me.

The planting of potatoes begins with a ritual called "Pachamanca". The Incas spoke a language known as Quechua and many who live in the Andes still speak it today. Pachamanca translates to English as earth (pacha) pot (manca). This name is a very literal one, given that it consists of an underground earthenware pot that’s covered in hot stones and earth.

Farmers prepare a hole in the ground and place offerings such as coca leaves, holy water, and potato seeds. They offer prayers and invoke the spirits of nature to ensure a good harvest. Then, the potatoes are carefully planted, following traditions passed down from generation to generation.

The harvesting of potatoes is also accompanied by special rituals. Farmers gather to celebrate the end of the growing season and thank the deities for their benevolence. They harvest the potatoes with gratitude and clean them carefully. Some rituals involve dances, songs, and offerings of food prepared with potatoes. These celebrations are not only an opportunity to thank the deities but also to strengthen community bonds.

The rituals associated with potato planting and harvesting in Peru are deeply rooted in Andean culture and demonstrate the importance of this vegetable for the sustenance of agricultural communities. These traditional practices are passed down from generation to generation, thus preserving the link between man and nature.