TRADITIONAL ANDEAN FAIR IN SANTA CATALINA, JUJUY – ARGENTINA. CARAVANS AND INTERCHANGES

Abstract

Saint Catherine of Alexandria is celebrated every November 25^th in the city of Santa Catalina, Jujuy, Argentina. Before this event, a 3-4 day bi-national fair takes place where local and foreign vendors and artisans come from different districts in Bolivia and Argentina, traveling in caravans of donkeys (Equus africanus asinus), llamas (Lama glama) and motor vehicles (called “caravanas” in Spanish). In this study, an ethnobiological framework was used to evaluate traditional practices at the fair, changes in these practices over time, and the use and exchange of products at the fair. During the three days the fair was held, proceedings were documented and interviews were conducted with participants of different roles (“caravana” participants, salespeople, fair workers and others), based on participant observation, semi-structured interviews, and specific dialogue methodologies. During 2015 and 2016, arrivals of caravanas of llamas, donkeys and vehicles were registered. Findings show an increased use of vehicles related to a drop in the use of animals to carry products, which was evidenced by a reduced number of caravanas and an increased number of pick-up trucks carrying goods and Bolivian producers. Traditional Andean practices including, but not limited to, traveling in caravanas are undergoing remarkable cultural “erosion”, a global phenomenon manifesting itself in the local herding lifestyle in Andean areas.  Despite this cultural “erosion,” the Santa Catalina fair provides an opportunity to continue observing a system of caravanas that may prove to be resilient in the context of unstable economic circumstances.