The Yamor festivities are a manifestation of Otavalo's multi-cultural population: indigenous peoples thank "Allpa mama" (Mother Earth) for the maize harvest, at the same time that the mestizo culture pays tribute to the Monserrat Virgin or "Nina Maria", patron Virgin of Otavalo. The celebrations take place during the first days of September.

The Yamor festivities began 52 years ago, as the intercultural population of Otavalo joined the celebrations of the Koya Raymi and the Catholic traditions. Over time, the Municipality of Otavalo institutionalized the Yamor festivities.

The word "Yamor" refers to a special beverage made from seven varieties of corn, taken from the ritual of "Koya Ramie". This unique beverage is served specially during these celebrations. The Kichwa Otavalo and the Kichwa Cayambi indigenous groups that inhabit the Otavalo area and its surroundings celebrate four great Raymikuna festivals that coincide with the two solstices and the two equinoxes. These festivals are tied to the Andean agricultural cycle and specifically to corn or maize, a symbol of fertility. The cultivation of maize is a vital component of the indigenous Cosmo vision and has become an essential symbol within the religious-cultural festival calendar. The Raymikuna festivities begin in the month of September with Koya Raymi, the ritual of the moon and the sun as elements of fertility. Shortly before the actual autumn equinox, the city of Otavalo celebrates the YAMOR festivities.

A particularity of the Yamor among all the festivities in the country is that the inauguration takes off at night. Allegorical cars parade the candidates to Yamor queen escorted by folkloric dances, bands and fire works. This colorful procession marks the opening of the festivities.

Events during the Yamor festivities: cultural parade, led by the CORAZA (see picture) symbolizing the defense of their pre-Hispanic culture, election of the Yamor Queen, Folkloric Dance Festival (open-air), typical food festival, popular bullfights, cock fights, competitions, etc. An important match is the crossing of the San Pablo Lake, a competition in which the participants swim across the 4-kilometer lake with water temperatures of 40-50 degrees F, at an altitude of 2,660 meters. Swimmers grease their bodies in order to stand the cold temperatures of the water. 4 x 4 races and wooden cart races also take place during the Yamor festivities.

Everyone is welcome to join the Yamor festivities in Otavalo, the city where the famed indigenous fair takes place all year round. These festivities are a fusion of cultures that synthesizes the religiousness brought by the Spaniards and the pre-Hispanic traditions of the region. Live this unique cultural experience!

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