FEELING OF ECONOMIC POWER IN THE PATRON SAINT FESTIVITIES OF AN ANDIN COMMUNITY; [SENTIMENTO DE PODER ECONÔMICO NAS FESTAS PATRONAIS DE UMA COMUNIDADE ANDINA]

Gutiérrez-Gómez E.; Munaris-Parco S.B.; Carhuallanqui-Ibarra S.D. · Prometeica (2025) · DOI: 10.34024/prometeica.2025.32.20852

Resumen

The study explores the manifestations of economic power in the patron saint festivities of an Andean community in Peru, with emphasis on how community members display their wealth through festive celebrations. It analyzes the social, cultural, and economic patterns present in the festival, as well as the participation of mayordomos and the role of donations as markers of status. The research is based on a qualitative methodology that uses semi-structured interviews and participant observation to understand the perceptions and experiences of community members. The results show that, although the community does not have a formally structured economy, the patron saint festival serves as a central space for expressing purchasing power, even to the point of overshadowing the Christian religious dimension. The study concludes that patron saint festivities reflect the tensions between ancestral tradition and new forms of economic power disguised as faith, generating competitive dynamics in the celebrations and mayordomías.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Huanta