Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
EL TINKUNACO - CONFLICT RESOLUTION IN THE 16TH CENTURY
The fascinating and moving El Tinkunaco ceremony is a symbolic representation of
the resolution of the clash of cultures that occurred at the birth of La Rioja. When
Juan Ramírez de Velasco founded the city in 1591, he blithely ignored the fact that
the land was owned and farmed by the Diaguita, who naturally took exception to
their territory being carved up among Spanish settlers. They rebelled in 1593, and a
bloody conflict was averted by the mediation of the friar Francisco Solano, later can-
onized for his efforts. The Diaguita trusted the cleric and listened to his message.
They agreed to down their arms on two conditions: that the Spanish alcalde(mayor)
resign; and that his replacement be the Christ child. The Spaniards agreed and
peace was made. The new mayor became known as Niño Jesús Alcalde.
The Tinkunaco (the word means 'meeting' in Quechua) commemoration com-
menced not long afterwards. Every year at noon on December 31, two processions -
one representing the Spaniards, one the Diaguita - cross town to the Casa de Gobi-
erno. The processions meet, and solemnly all fall to their knees before the image of
the Niño Jesús Alcalde, then embrace. It's a powerful moment with its message
about cultural differences and compromises.
Sleeping
La Rioja's hotels often discount if you pay cash and aren't afraid to bargain.
Pucará Hotel
HOTEL $
OFFLINE MAP
GOOGLE MAP
(
443-7789; hotelpucara-larioja@hotmail.com; República de Siria 79; s/d AR$200/320;
)
Cool and tranquil, this newish hotel has simple but comfortable lodgings in a quiet barrio.
The friendly young owners have made it a welcoming place with stonework and tradition-
al art decorating public areas and the clean, dark rooms with decent mattresses. It's La
Rioja's best budget hotel.
Hostel Apacheta
HOSTEL $
( 15-444-5445;
www.apachetahostel.com.ar
;
Av San Nicolás de Bari 669; dm/d AR$80/200;
)
Wood has been put to imaginative uses in this central hostel. Furniture made from
pallets and packing crates combines with antiques to make a pleasantly original design.
It's a simple place; dorms feature a variety of beds and bunks, with air-con and plenty of
room to move. You can rent bikes here.
