Sacred Ritual of Huaca Aliaga

Click to read about my experience going to Huaca Aliaga and taking part in a ritual that was very eye opening to me!

Rituals are something that is very unfamiliar to me. I usually do not really understand the significance of rituals nor the history behind it most times. Despite this, I am very open minded to learning more about rituals and the significance it has to a culture. When we went to UNI and visited the Huaca Aliaga, my entire perspective changed. I realized that there is so much history and importance to the ritual that we were able to take part in. This changed my entire perspective.

When we arrived at UNI, we went to wash our hands then we were told to stand in a circle. Our main goal in going to Huaca Aliaga was to help clean up the trash that was in the Huaca Aliaga. Before we were able to start, we had to get permission from the Gods that protect the area. When I first heard that I did not take it seriously at all. Then as the ritual began it was very fascinating to be a part of. The man leading us had a spread of fruits and a corn alcohol drink for us to drink as part of the ritual. Another main part that stood out to me was when he placed oil on our hair. As he was giving us a blessing, it made me realize how tedious this process is. It was an amazing experience to be a part of. After the ritual was over, we indulged in fruits and were able to start getting to work.

After that ritual I felt so refreshed. I had a sense of understanding and appreciation for us being granted access to help clean. This was about way more than just cleaning for me. After the ceremony I had a jolt of energy and the will to make sure that we do our best to clean up Huaca Aliaga. I came into the ritual not really knowing what to expect and trying to understand the culture. Coming out of the ritual I was very grateful to be able to take part in this experience and it is something that I will take with me back to the US.