Violent storm disrupts Mama Cocha Tribute

By Bolero News Services

AMAZON -- A tribute to the Incan goddess Mama Cocha was disrupted Sunday by a violent storm that spawned what appeared to be a tornado. The sudden weather event tossed fish from the sky. Many attendees are saying it had a supernatural origin.

“Though it's hard to say whether Mama Cocha was happy or upset, you saw how she threw us all around like rag dolls,” said Amazon Priestess Eve Fintan, one of the organizers of the ritual.”I think too many forgot the purpose of being there. Not enough went down to the pier to make offerings.”

As those giving tribute enjoyed the music and dancing that followed speeches by prominent Amazon leaders, what appeared to be a water spout, which is a tornado that forms over water, came down from the sky. Many participants were flung around the area where the tribute took place.

A violent storm tossed blue fish from the sky,
which littered the tribute location. Photo courtesy
of Bolero News Services

Healers reported dozens of injuries, most of which were minor. So far, there have been no reports of deaths, but one person is still missing. As of press time, the person’s name was not released.

Perhaps more odd than the timing of the storm was the fish that fell from the sky during the event. The area was scattered with blue fish, which is a key staple for many native diets in the Amazon.


Ath Hotshot, chieftess of the Mayoruna tribe, which hosted the event, said the storm was the embodiment of the goddess herself and that it was a demonstration of her favor.

“I do believe that Mama Cocha was there [in] the form of the tornado to show us how happy she was with the tribute by offering us more fishes and to tell us that she will be there to protect us and to give us what we need to survive,” the native leader said.

Fintan was considerably more adamant the storm had supernatural origins, and the priestess was highly critical of skeptics.

“There is no way in HELL -- I mean heck -- no way that wasn't the Goddess Mama Cocha come to make herself known,” Fintan stated. “The only question is, is she just forgetting her own strength as she comes to visit and offer us more fish? You saw how the fish came whirling up out of the water and showered down on the crowd. Was it a thank you, blessings, or were we all being warned and punished for being so ungrateful?"

Members of the Xoco dance to tribal music at the Mama
Cocha tribute Sunday. Photo by Namida Giulia

The priestess went on to say she was “baffled,” and she pointed out that even the faithful were tossed about by the winds, which were estimated to be in excess of 70 mph.

The tribute began with speeches from a few spiritual leaders in the Amazon, including Hotshot, whose camp is located on the beaches of Mama Allpa.

“We have the privilege of enjoying the calming music of Mama Cocha's grand spirit, the crash of the waves steadily washing over the sand reminding us of how sure and steady our world is and how powerful she is,” the chieftess stated in her speech.

The chieftess went on to explain that Mama Cocha is a “mighty” Incan goddess of sea and fishes, a guardian of sailors and fishermen.

“She is not only our protector and provider,” Hotshot said.

Mama Cocha, according to the Incan faith, rules over all bodies of water, including lakes, rivers, and even human-made watercourses.

“Even those pools that may be a bit more yellow than blue,” the chieftess quipped.

The speeches were followed by music and dancing, which brought members of various Amazon tribes, including the Tapirape and Xoco. Members of other groups, including Bandits and Mercs were present, as were a few representatives of the Raiders.

The Mama Cocha tribute brought representatives of a
wide range of tribes and groups. Photo by Namida Giulia

Free jars of fish stew were handed out to those in attendance. These were prepared by Melissa, an Amazon healer, and Persephone Bolero, mayor of the City of the Lost.

Numerous fishermen and fisherwomen from the Resort of Catadore, which is owned and operated by Fintan, provided fish for the free offerings.



“It was an honor to be so helpful to so many people,” Bolero, who is also a former Bandit, said in a press release. “Though I may not be a native of the Amazon myself or share in their faith, as mayor of a key Amazon city, I try to be helpful whenever asked. Everyone says so.”

“She was quite helpful,” another participant, who did not want to give her name, said.

Bolero’s daughter, Kiki, who also attended the event, seemed pleased with the tribute.

“Sish! Sish! Kiki gud. No ungy!” the girl said.

Hotshot stated, despite the storm, she believes the tribute was a success and properly honored Mama Cocha.

“I feel that this tribute will bring the Amazon as a whole more safe water ways, more fishes,” she said with a smile.