One of the largest festivals in the south of Huancayo is that of Tayta Niño, in the district of Huayucachi, where you can see the black warriors of the chinchilpos and gamonales, who based on strength, soccer skill and their whip, seek to declare themselves winners in the “zumbanacuy” that decides whether the year will have an abundant harvest (if the red fury wins) or a scarcity.
Yesterday morning the central activities of this festival began, which takes place on the last Sunday and Monday of the month of January. The mayor of Huayucachi, Myler Vásquez Remigio, pointed out that more than 15 thousand tourists are expected to visit, both local and national, who arrive mainly attracted by the zumbanacuy and the soccer game.
During the festival the town is divided into two sides: the chinchilpos, who represent the poor peasants, and the gamonales, rich landowners, whose characteristic color is white and light blue. This concept was had until a few decades ago, now the red and light blue colors were divided by neighborhoods or love for what was instilled by their parents.
“I have been a chinchilpo since I was three years old. My father told me that I was sick and couldn’t heal, but one day he gave me Tayta Niño and I healed the next day. Since then I have felt devotion to our Child,” Airthon Molina said.
The cost of the costume
For both chinchilpo and gamonal, the costume can cost the same, only the color varies. Black people report that they buy boots for S/450, hood S/1200, helmet and tail S/400, pants S/150, mask S/220, sweater S/60, scarf S/30, zumba S/150, chub S/26, noisemaker S/25.
Altogether the clothing can exceed S/2500.00, which they manage to acquire in several years.
