The entire ceremony to Mamapacha, the Apus, the sun, and the moon is known by this name:
DESPACHO
However, each ritual is different from the others; different in intentions.
Many know the despacho by other names such as Despacho Hampi, mesa, offering, or payment.
The ceremony varies depending on:
- The places where it takes place the ceremony.
- The environment surrounding us.
- The Paqo Qero
- The position of the offering on the table.
The number of participants and the duration of the ceremony also vary the location and the ritual.
The elements of Despacho
Procedure of the Ceremony
The first thing the Paqo Qero does is ask for the reason behind the request
Prior to this, the Paqo spends 24 hours in voluntary fasting at home, consecrating their work instruments and symbols of power.
They place these symbols in specific spots based on the participants’ importance or age, and cleanse the ritual area.
At the officiant’s request, everyone prepares kintus of coca leaves and hands them to the master. He arranges them on the unkuña in a specific shape and quantity as prescribed. They set traditional elements like the ara, ccocha, and holy cross on the table.
The table gradually becomes a sight of extraordinary beauty
The Paqo master begins blessing it and praying devoutly with all participants.
They unwrap the despacho hampi elements and place them on San Lorenzo paper covered with coca leaves. For an hour, participants remain silent as the Paqos meticulously prepare the despacho.
The Paqos light the Ninawillca and bless the sacred fire. Then share communion with the participants using wine or chicha, dipping the kintus into these beverages briefly. Invocations to regional, local, and communal Apus follow, accompanied by placing red and white carnations in the liquids as invitations.
After kneeling and sprinkling chicha or wine around the table, the Paqo master adds incense and aromatic plants to the fire. Liturgical chants begin as the master sprinkles wine or chicha over the table, praying for the success of the offering.
Finally, despacho is burned in the fire and covered with plants
The master informs participants that their service has ended, allowing them to stay or leave as they choose. They bid farewell as the master ascends a hill alone to burn or bury the payment.
If burned, he stays until it consumes completely, then covers the ashes with earth, sprinkles them with liquor and water while praying.
If buried, he burns it with icchu and other plants, asking Pachamama to accept the offering.
The ceremony concludes with the wrapping of the despacho in paper and other materials. The master offers a new lliclla or unk’uña for wrapping, then slowly and with blessings, clears the table.
Participants, now instructed not to remain silent, consume the remaining coca on the table. The master then asks them to step back and help clean up, leaving the place as they found it.
Candia M, C; Del Solar, M y Iwaki O, R. (1994). Despacho to Pachamama Cuadernos Andinos Nº15.
