📸 Photo series #3: A visual journey through the heart of Peru

Festivals are always the perfect place for street & documentary photography.

Hello street photographers 👋,

As usual, we would like to give a warm welcome to all our new subscribers! We are very pleased to see the community growing. StoryDrops aims to immerse you in the photographer’s world, allowing to spark your creativity, provoke thought, and push you to explore new ideas in your own photography.

We are delighted to welcome Carlos Apucusi to our stage as he shares his exceptional work capturing a renowned annual month-long festival in Peru, South America. Join us as we delve into his captivating photographs, offering a unique glimpse into the vibrant traditions and cultural celebrations that define this extraordinary event.

Make yourself comfortable with a good coffee and enjoy the photo story! ☕️

The Alasitas Fair by Carlos Apucusi

⏱️ Reading time: 3 min

In Andean culture, religious syncretism, the mixture of beliefs and rituals from different cultures, is a highly present spiritual practice in the community, which is particularly manifested in the festivities and celebrations that take place throughout the year.

The Alasitas Fair, which means "buy me" in the Aymara language, is celebrated in May in Puno, Peru. This ritual festival combines Andean and Catholic elements, with the main protagonists being the Ekeko - the Aymara deity of abundance -, miniatures, and the May Cross.

The acquired miniatures, ranging from money, cars, houses to university degrees, marriage certificates and babies, are blessed by a Yatiri (Aymara shaman) and during the main mass at the Chapel of the Bellavista neighborhood cross. Believers hope that their desires will be fulfilled and the miniatures will materialize in real life throughout the year.

Written and shot by Carlos Apucusi.

Who’s behind the lens?

Describe yourself as a photographer

I'm Carlos Apucusi, a Peruvian photojournalist and documentary photographer based in Puno, Peru. My work explores environmental and sociopolitical issues, I'm also interested in documenting traditional and cultural expressions of the Andean culture in southern Peru.

Your favorite camera and lens

I work with a Nikon camera and mainly angular lenses, 24mm, 35mm.

The last place you shot

It was at The Alasitas Fair.

Your favorite moment of the day to shoot

I usually work with natural light, so ideally during golden hour or when the sun is not too high.

Photographers you would like to see in the next edition of StoryDrops

I could mention some good photographers from puno: @urielmontufar, @ronaldespinozaphotography, @victorneiraperu1, @leonorgaby and @daavid_ariaas.

Portfolio and/or social media links

Instagram: @carlosalp__, @carlos.apucusi

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