Jallalla Ñaupa Fair

Jallalla (celebration and good wishes).

"The beginnings are of courageous enthusiasts who, with conviction, 

embark on a journey full of dreams."

For those who see special value in numbers, framed temporarily by significant events, visiting the blog of the Cajamarca Rural Library Network allows us to understand the connection that destiny seems to give us with memorable events. As I read through the lines and savoured the narrative, I came across a date (1971) "with books on the earth". Fifty-five years later, on 12 and 13 December 2025, the Cajamarca Rural Library Network launches and develops its FIRST ÑAUPA FAIR. An event that brought to life the culinary expressions, crafts and enterprises of a group of people who filled every corner with smiles, colours and life experiences. Traditional sweets, drinks, textiles and dreams gave a Christmas flavour to a space that liberates letters in every text read.

There was no need to list what was sold, lost or gained. The atmosphere was perfumed with the smell of mulled wine, cinnamon and medicinal plants. Visitors enjoyed good conversation accompanied by a good book and a hot chocolate. The traditional and the modern, the classic and the innovative, the biodegradable and the natural were all mixed together. Economic value took a back seat to the immeasurable value of cordiality. 

Leafing through the books again and again, turning the pages and commenting on the poems, smiling at the stories, admiring the images, were not just the preserve of young people and adults. Children were amazed by the forms and contents. 

A fair that, at 55 years of age, leaves me with an experience that will resonate in my memories as "my first craft fair". I am an entrepreneur of handmade soaps from Colombia. I attended the Ñaupa Fair by fate. I mention fate at the beginning of this text because I firmly believe that life places us where we need to be and gives us what we need and deserve.   

Gloria Velásquez