The Peruvian government will reevaluate bull Yawar Fiesta as part of a national effort to protect condors, since it threatens the future of the largest flying bird on the planet, it was reported Monday.
Karina Ramirez, the head of Peru's General Directorate of Forestry and Wildlife (DGFFS) said the plan will be implemented over the next 10 years, and argued that such a festival has largely lost its cultural significance and is now mainly continued in order to attract tourists and commerce.
"The plan addresses these problems and is intended to solve them. From a scientific point of view, there will be studies, and work with communities, principally,” Ramirez told Andina news agency.
The National Forest and Wildlife Service will cooperate with the Ministry of Culture to make local people aware that the Andean condor is being threatened by tourist traditions like Yawar Fiesta in Peru.
This festival is designed to show the triumph of indigenous culture over colonial influence.
The Andean condor is a national symbol in Peru and in other South American countries such as Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and plays a prominent role in folklore and cultural mythology.
They have been represented in the Andean art since 2500 B.C. The Incas believed the condor brought the sun into the sky every morning and was a messenger to the gods.
(END) LIT/RMB
Published: 6/16/2014