Cutting Molle and Capulí Trees for Carnival in Cusco is Banned
The carnival of Cusco, year after year, means enjoying yourself in the best possible way. All the most representative elements such as – water, colored powders, music, dance, chicha, stew and especially yunsa – can not be missing.
The trees most cut for the yunsas were capulí, mole, and eucalyptus, since these trees were abundant in past years. Capulí and molle are representative and native trees of the city and are characterized by their fruits and other characteristics in medicine and textiles since ancient times.
Eucalyptus, unlike molle and capulí, it exhausts the soil by completely absorbing nutrients and minerals; it leaves behind a desert. In previous years, its planting and use was very important for the construction of houses. But in recent years, it has lost a lot of that value due to modernization; its use is increasingly decreasing.
This year 2020 the city of Cusco and some municipalities, such as the district of San Jerónimo, banned the felling of molle and capulí for carnival. The reasons and motive are very clear. This type of flora is being exterminated.
As is well known, year after year modernization is progressing and constructions in green spaces are taking place in an incredible way. Forests of these trees have been affected and ,as a preventive measure, their logging has been prohibited.
In part it is good news as it is necessary to preserve these native trees and contribute to their care and protection. Thus, in these carnivals of Cusco, eucalyptus trees will be used clearly to continue this tradition full of color and joy.
