Sebastian Castañeda
Lima, Perú
Sebastian Castaneda was born in Lima in 1970. He graduated from law school at the University of Lima in 1999, and since 2002, is dedicated to photography. Working as a photojournalist in EPENSA between 2004 and 2005, and in El Comercio between 2005 and 2014. Sebastian has done assignments throughout Latin America as well as in Canada, USA In the Middle East it has covered Syria, Lebanon, Turkey and Iraq. Currently working with news agencies AFP, AP, Al Jazeera and Turkish Anadolu agency. The main stories are covering the war in Iraq in 2014, the Syrian armed conflict in 2013, violence in Sidon, Lebanon in 2013, the 2012 elections in Venezuela, Hugo Chavez's funeral in 2013, the Dakar Rally in their editions 2012 and 2013, the 2007 earthquake in Peru, the earthquake in Chile in 2010, Voodoo ceremonies in Haiti in 2010 and 2011, Occupy Wall Street in New York in 2011, terrorism in Peru in 2012, the social situation and Cuba policy in 2012.
- Breaking news
- Editorial
- Reporting
Takanakuy
Sebastian Castañeda
Takanacuy The Andean fighters.
The Takanakuy is a traditional celebration held every December 25 in the region of Chumbivilcas, Cuzco in the Andes of southern Peru. The celebration can last many days. The word "Takanakuy" means "to strike with the fist" and fighters are heating with dances and songs called Wayliyas. The men wear colorful masks and most are using animal heads who have hunted themselves to show their strength. Men and women who have had problems with other people during the year are fixing their conflicts at the end of the year with one or several fights. Usually, conflicts are raised by issues related to land or harvesting, stealing animals or insulting the name of the father. Some collisions are caused by love or friendship issues.
Pilgrimage of the Lord Captive of Ayabaca
Sebastian Castañeda
Fifty thousand people are mobilized for near Lord Captive, a carved wooden Christ taking off in procession every October in the tiny town of Ayabaca, in the Andes of northern Peru. In fact it is already a miracle that so many people can live together in such a small space, but the Lord is credited Captive performing all impossible: lame walk, heal sick, addicted within days to stop taking drugs. In return, the penitents, as his devotees call themselves, do not hesitate to tear your hands, elbows, knees and bloodied back on the rock and mud cordilleranos an offering in exchange for a miracle. The history dates back to 1751 and picture paints a magical home for believers. Today, facing his old blunt, one understands why Ecuadorians cross the border to see it, and why from overseas Peruvians do return and queues during the morning, and sleep on the street so blessed to be known only by one of her looks.
