"There is joy because of the fact that Peru is present here, in the year of its Independence Bicentennial, a year during which the Peruvian people —overcoming the adversities of these times of crisis and pandemic— commemorate their history, reflecting with care and hope, but also recognizing the challenges that lie ahead so as to become a more prosperous, more sustainable, and fairer country," he expressed.
The Cabinet member argued that Christian Peruvians feel highly honored due to the exhibition of a Nativity Scene from Huancavelica —a great Andean region where the Waris, Chancas, and Pre-Hispanic Incas succeeded one another— and which —beyond the challenges it faces towards development— has produced, throughout centuries, sophisticated and subtle traditions, full of technique and color —visible in multiple musical, iconographic, and festive expressions.
Likewise, the ambassador highlighted the Chopcca community culture, which was declared Cultural Heritage of the Peruvian Nation, native to Yauli and Paucara districts —beautiful Andean inlets located between 3,000 and 4,000 meters above sea level.
"The scene in front of us allows us to glimpse the entire sensory and spiritual universe of those places, under the sun, and the imagined skies of the Peruvian Highlands (…)," he stressed.
In the same way, the diplomat described the Chopcca-styled Holy Family.
The Foreign Affairs Minister ended his speech by praising the work of Huancavelica Region Government, as well as of the team of architects, designers, craftsmen, and Vatican officials who since last year had been working with talent and rigor to make this day come true.
Chopcca's representative Nativity Scene was officially inaugurated at St. Peter's Square in the Vatican commemorating the 2021 Christmas holidays at the Holy See. It will be on display for a period of 45 days.