The Christmas festivities have arrived at the Salkantay Trekking facilities, and what better way to celebrate this season full of magic and solidarity than with a memorable hot chocolate event! In the midst of nature, surrounded by warmth and enthusiasm, on Wednesday, December 20, Salkantay Trekking, as part of its social responsibility activities, organized a Christmas chocolate event for 1500 children and teenagers from the rural communities of the Ocongate District in the Quispicanchi province of the Cusco region.
In this blog, I will narrate the adventure of the Christmas chocolate event we had in Ocongate and describe the experience I shared with Salkantay Trekking.
Preparations for the Celebration
The organization of our chocolate event began weeks ago when we decided to join forces to carry out a special event involving all the children and teenagers from the communities in the Ocongate district of the Quispicanchi province in Cusco. It’s important to mention that Salkantay Trekking operates and collaborates with the people living in these communities, as it runs trekking routes in Ocongate, the district where the Ausangate mountain is located—one of the most impressive and important mountains in the Vilcabamba mountain range.
From selecting the location to preparing the ingredients, every detail was carefully planned to make this moment unforgettable. Salkantay Trekking communicated with the muleteers working in the area and the community leaders to broadcast the invitation for the attendance of children and teenagers from the communities of Ocongate through radio announcements.
The Magic of the Chocolate Event:
The day of the chocolate event finally arrived, and the community gathered with joy and anticipation. We engaged in songs and dances as a pre-activity, sharing moments of laughter and games with the children and teenagers from the communities. Salkantay Trekking’s team dressed up as characters from stories and cartoons, spreading smiles and dances to the little ones. Dance, singing, and poetry contests were organized, where participants became the protagonists and showcased their skills and talents. It was undoubtedly a great moment for everyone, emphasizing that music is not just a melody but a natural rhythm echoing around our lives, serving as the perfect mechanism to connect with all participants.
Traditional Sweets and Sharing Joy
The chocolate event was not just about hot chocolate; delicious candied bread and typical seasonal desserts were also offered. Additionally, Salkantay Trekking distributed toys to the 1500 children and teenagers, who received them with enthusiasm and joy. It’s worth noting that toys during the Christmas season make the celebrations more fun and enjoyable. Besides enjoying the treats, we also shared the joy of the season through exchanges of smiles and hugs among everyone. These moments of connection strengthened community ties and reminded everyone that the true magic of Christmas lies in unity and friendship.
Final Reflections
The Christmas chocolate event for the Salkantay Trekking community was more than just an event; it was a celebration that encapsulated the very essence of Christmas. Through food, music, laughter, and acts of kindness, we demonstrated that the magic of this season is alive in our community, where the Christmas spirit is celebrated with authenticity and open hearts.
At the end of the day, as we began to feel raindrops on our bodies and witnessed lights flickering in the sky, and neighbors bid farewell with warm hugs, it became clear that this chocolate event will become a cherished tradition, continuing to brighten our lives in future Christmases. May the magic of this chocolate event endure in our hearts and inspire us to continue building a strong and united community in the years to come!
- ES
- PT
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