THE NORTH RIDING PROJECT

Ayacucho’s isolation had engendered conservatism and in intense religious life.  Catholicism was heavily entrenched in the department.  Twice a day, when the church bell tolled of San Francisco de Asīs, passers-by would cross themselves, kneel down, ow their heads and pray in the street.  Long queues waited outside the confessional boxes.  The colourful, emotional religious festivals were attended by thousands and were famous throughout Peru.  The Church offered hope and diversion to an isolated, depressed and suffering population.  Saying the rosary and going to Mass also broke the boredom of a virtually pre-electric age when television and video had as yet failed to materialize; when the only secular attractions were the dilapidated cinema and the occasional visit of a travelling circus.

Strong/Shining Path