Central and South Andean communities celebrate Pachamama on August 1, but preparations start the eve before.
Pachamama
Pachamama is the Quechuan and Aymaran name for Mother Earth. It literally means world mother, but also refers to her spirit. If you need equivalence to understand, she is the Andean Virgin Mary.
We respect her all year long, but especially on August 1st across Tawantinsuyu, the former Inca Empire in Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, and parts of Chile and northern Argentina.
In the central and southern Andes, August is the coldest month, and it is hard to stay healthy during this time. That is one of the reasons we honor Pachamama. Also, the planting season begins soon, and the traditions prepare the community for the important planting work ahead.
Traditions
This is basically New Year in the southern hemisphere. Like many other cultures, we perform cleaning rituals.
Our families cook all night on July 31st. Then we go to a water place and make an offering to Pachamama before enjoying a family feast. We also toast her with Chicha, the Andean corn beer.