In the province of Azuay, inside a peculiar area of colorful landscapes by the Santa Bárbara River is found the Santa Bárbara touristic corridor: a region of singular beauty that keeps its traditions alive in the villages of Gualaceo, Sigsig and Chordeleg; a destination that every day gets a larger number of local and international visitors, becoming the region’s most important touristic destination thanks to the support it has received from the state since 2008.
The village of Gualaceo is known for its traditional jerseys or chompas, which are uniquely woven and embroidered in rustic workshops and can be appreciated worn on the local inhabitants as part of their attire. Places such as Bulcay and Bullzhún are handcrafts centers set up for visitors, where you can take a close look at the manufacture of these people, dedicated to the weaving of scarves, blouses, belts, bedspreads, tablecloths and many other products, all of them hand made in bright colors and beautiful designs.
Going forward on the Santa Bárbara corridor is found Chordeleg, a village of unassuming people dedicated to the art of pottery and metalwork. The traditional designs and shapes step out in their ceramic objects, which are decorated with Nature’s elements in blue, green and brown; as well as in the silver and gold products made with the filigree technique, which consists in making jewelry such as earrings, rings and bracelets from very thin gold and silver strings. All of these beautiful objects certainly get the attention of visitors, who will unavoidably purchase one of them at the end of the visit.
Finally, one of the most outstanding and internationally known activities is the weaving of hats and other objects made with a kind of straw called toquilla. This weaving art has been developed by the talented hands of the inhabitants of Sigsig and other rural communities of the region. It is an art that has gone beyond frontiers and time that tourist can even purchase directly from their home countries.
The Santa Bárbara corridor is full of nature and culture; it is a route of discovery and fun. At the end of the day, you will not only have taken a souvenir with you, but also the feeling of having enriched yourself with a different and extraordinary way of life.
Article by: Diario El Ciudadado
Photo: Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores del Ecuador
No comments:
Post a Comment