Tapirape Fishing Week 2024

Fishing Week is an annual tradition where the Tapirapé tribe travels south for a weeklong fishing trip with family and friends. Each day of the fishing week is filled with activities that either hold a deep spiritual significance or opportunities for bonding. This year was no different and the tribe sailed to the shores of Mama Allpa to set up camp for the week.

Monday – The Mama Cocha Ritual

Fishing Week started with the time-honoured Blessing of the Water ritual, setting a vibrant tone for the days ahead. After an offering of fruit and flowers, the women of the tribes gathered to perform traditional dances in honour of Mama Cocha, the revered goddess of the sea and fishing. Their graceful movements and heartfelt rhythms were not only meant to ensure a bountiful catch for the week but also held a special significance this year.

With a sickness spreading through the jungle, the ritual took on an added layer of importance. The community hoped that by showing their respect and gratitude to Mama Cocha, they might receive her blessing to drive away the illness and restore health to the land.

Tuesday – The Spirit Animal Guide

On the second day of Fishing Week, the tribes celebrated the Spirit Animal Guide ritual, one of the more popular traditions of the week. After spending the morning and early afternoon fishing, everyone gathered around the beach, eagerly anticipating their turn to discover their spirit animal guide.

The atmosphere was filled with a mixture of excitement and reverence as the Shaman prepared for the ceremony. She consumed a significant amount of ayahuasca, a sacred brew known for its powerful connections to the spiritual realm. As the effects took hold, the Shaman began to communicate with the spirits, seeking guidance and insight for each participant.

Meanwhile, everyone lined up patiently and one by one, they approached the Shaman, who revealed the unique animal spirit that would guide them. This ritual deeply connected each person with their spiritual essence, fostering a sense of unity and tradition within the group.

Wednesday – The Jurito Fish Event

The Jurito took charge of Wednesday’s Fishing Week activities, bringing plenty of excitement and laughter to the day. According to tradition, every Chief and Elder of the tribes would spend time in the stockades, allowing their tribe members the chance to throw fish at them. This time-honoured practice always managed to draw big smiles and laughs from everyone involved.

In a recent twist to the tradition, afterwards the tables were turned, giving Chiefs and Elders a chance to get even. It was a fun event as always and a nice break from fishing.

Thursday – The Blue Virility Ritual

Thursday was a special day, marked by the Blue Virility Ritual, one of the most eagerly awaited traditions for the Tapi. On this day, the Shaman honoured the Tapi men and close friends of the tribe by painting them blue. It is believed that this blue paint boosts their stamina, virility, and fertility, making the event even more significant.

The ceremony began with a heartfelt speech from Elder Bubba, who spoke about the importance of the ritual and its deep roots in the Tapi culture. Then the Shaman took over, and the painting process began. This year, twelve men and friends of the tribe were chosen for this honour - the highest number ever recorded.

After everyone was painted, the men came together to dance, celebrating their new energy and virility. The rhythmic movements and joyful expressions on their faces showed just how much the ritual meant to them.

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Shouts: “Men of the Tapirapé! Women of the jungle!
“HEAR MY WORDS!”
“We are gathered here today for one of the most sacred rituals of the Tapirapé tribe!”
“THE PAINTING OF THE COCKS!”
“We paint for fertility and fortune!”
“Once in the dark mist of time – our tribe went nearly extinct – War, famine and disease had ravaged our numbers!”
“But our holy Shamans had a secret blessing!”
“And with that blessing our numbers rose again!”
“May it be so today too!”
“May the sacred holy blue paint bring many blue lips! And may it bring many young!”
“Men of the Tapi! Your ancestors call upon you to have your cocks painted, and swell our tribe – and it’s women!”
“May it bing much fortune!”
shouts: “LET THE RITUAL COMMENCE!”
shouts: Taupéicha
Bubba Oh

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Friday – Day of the Xoco

Friday was a laid-back and enjoyable day for the Tapi, as it was the Xoco that hosted all activities. The day began with Diana hosting the entertaining Rum Smugglers game. This year’s version of the game proved to be particularly challenging, keeping everyone on their toes. Everyone put their heads together, trying to decipher the clues, but it wasn’t until Shui cracked the code and figured out the correct sentence that we could move on to a big Beach Party also hosted by the Xoco.

Saturday – The Muiraquita

Saturday, everyone enjoyed a special event, celebrating the Muiraquita. Whispering Wind shared the captivating tale of the Icamiaba tribe and the green stones they discovered in a river. After the story, everyone headed out for a fun quest to find their own green stones and feathers, just like the Icamiaba did long ago. After finding the materials, people spent a bit of time creating necklaces, to help them feel connected to the past.

Sunday – Thanking of the Waters and the Barrel Race

Sunday marked the final day of Fishing Week. It began with the closing ritual known as the Thanking of the Waters, a heartfelt tribute to the seas that nourish the community. Afterwards Bubba delivered what would surely have been a moving closing speech, although most of it was lost to the lively chatter from the Xoco.
 

Continuing the festivities was the traditional Fishing Week Race, which this year featured barrels instead of the normal canoes. The competition was fierce but friendly. Goo’s impressive skills earned her 1st place, while Micke took a close 2nd, and Helen secured a respectable 3rd place.

 

Thank you for all that came and participated in this year's Fishing Week.