Cairns Weekender Article - 12/03/11

Australian Journalist Kylie Reghenzani recently travelled to Peru with Kutimunki Peru Tours and met the man behind the Peruvian dream that is Kutimunki.

Alpaca Fiesta 2011

Participate in the 2011 Alpaca Fiesta in Arequipa, Peru.

This World class event is being organized by the International Alpaca Association and your invited to join industry representatives from around the globe in Arequipa from the 7^th to 13^th of November 2011.

ABOUT AREQUIPA

Arequipa is Peru's second largest city after Lima with a population of just under a million people - it is located in Southern Peru some 1,000 kilometres from the capital. Situated at 2,335 metres above sea level and constructed from white volcanic stone ("sillar") its buildings, with their distinctive colonial Spanish architecture, reflect an all year round sunny climate and give rise to its nickname, "The White City". The city has been designated as one of World cultural heritage by UNESCO. Additionally you can enjoy some of the Wolrd’s best food. Arequipa’s cuisine is full of exquisite flavors and has the same character as its people, strong and unforgettable. Arequipa is where 100% of Peru’s alpaca fibre is processed and then exported worldwide as semi and/or fully finished textile product.

In the Past

The region occupied by Arequipa was originally inhabited by the "Huari" people during the 7th Century and later, during the 10th Century, by the "Tiahuanaco" culture - both of these periods being pre-Inca. Later, when the Inca Empire was at its apex,  legend has it that the Inca ruler, Mayta Capac, beheld the beauty of the region and told a group of his followers, "Ariquepay" (which means "you may stay" in Quechua), thus Arequipa got its name. The Spanish Conquistadors arrived in Perú in early 1500 and, in 1540, Arequipa was officially founded by Captain Garci Manuel de Carbajal in what today is the San Lazaro district of the city.

Climate

The Fiesta takes place during the Southern hemisphere's springtime and you can expect plenty of unbroken sunshine with daytime temperatures of 25 °C dropping down to 12 °C at night. During the day it is recommended that casual attire be worn with hats, sunblock and sunglasses essential. At night it is advisable to carry a jacket.

2011 FIESTA EVENTS

Opening ceremony

A warm welcome to all our guests is to be held on the evening of the first day. Enjoy Peru’s national drink the “Pisco Sour” and finger food whilst professional Peruvian artists perform for you. To end the night a fireworks display will light up the Arequipa night sky.

National Alpaca Competition

Hundreds of alpacas from the best Peruvian ranches will be present at “Alpaca Fiesta 2011’s National Competition”. Judging will take place over 3 days with the awards ceremony to be held on Saturday morning. Participants will be witness to the Peruvian breeders’ persistence and dedication.

Conferences Participants can attend courses and workshops related to the alpaca industry presented by experts in their fields. Topics to include alpaca fibre, alpaca breeding, alpaca fashion, manufacturing and industrial processes.

Business Exchange

In the afternoons there will be the opportunity for participants to make new industry contacts and friends with Alpaca industry representatives from around the World at the Alpaca Fiesta.

Fashion Shows

The objective of our fashion shows will be to promote all the different uses for alpaca fibre as well as to promote Arequipa’s architectural and historical places. In these fashion shows you will enjoy a variety of national and foreign designers’ collections. Four shows will be presented; Juniors’, Seniors’, Main and Peruvian Designers.

Factory visits

The leading alpaca fibre manufacturing companies will open their factories exclusively for the participants in Alpaca Fiesta 2011 where the latest technology in alpaca fibre industrialisation will be on display. Our participants can learn about industry techniques with, hopefully, all questions answered.

Gala Dinner

Participants will have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of Peruvian cuisine and ethnic dances – an unforgettable culinary experience on Friday night.

Closing ceremony

On Saturday morning all the alpaca champions will receive their awards and recognition followed by a Peruvian Paso Horse exhibition and typical lunch.

Horsemanship Show

Considered as unique worldwide for its peculiar movements and graceful walk, the Peruvian Paso horse is an important part of the country’s rich national culture well-known around the world. These horses are synonymous with loyalty and nobility, temperament and arrogance; they have become one of the nation’s symbols. Ridden by our expert “Chalanes” the horses dance the “Marinera Norteña” in the company of beautiful ladies.

Chaccu

Participate in the traditional Inca method of rounding-up vicuñas for shearing, which will take place in the community of Toccra. This is a one of kind of experience where participants will not just have the chance of being part of an ancient ceremony but experience the Highland Peruvian breeder’s lifestyle. An appropriate and sure to be memorable conclusion to this global fiesta, your fiesta, Alpaca Fiesta 2011

For more information please contact Simon Corcoran –  info@kutimunki.com