La Bajada de Los Reyes (Arrival of 3 wise men) by raraavis
On January 6th -- La Bajada de Los Reyes -- locals attend mass in the Catholic Church. We had ventured into (for lack of better words) the "real Cusco" away from tourists. When we walked by the cathedral, we noticed a group children selling adorable doll-size costumes. So we asked them what the clothes are for. They told us it's for baby Jesus. As we stood outside of the cathedral, we noticed women and children carrying elaborately decorated baskets with dolls dressed in festive costumes, i.e. princess, bull fighter, king, etc. These dolls signify baby Jesus. Mass attendees bring baby Jesus to worship with them.
Inquisitive minds want to know. We decided to attend mass as well. Interesting experience despite the fact I understood very little of what the priest said.