WILLKOMMEN IN POZUZO: Importance of preserving Oxapampa

 WILLKOMMEN IN POZUZO Importance of preserving Oxapampa

“The Austro-German colony enchants with its european culture that we can strongly see in Oxapampa" José Milán. Oxapampa is definitely a place that one can't simply pass, it is such a unique place around the world. It's culture has an exotic mix of peruvian and Austro-German history.

Regarding the history, it is said that President Ramon Castilla made negotiations with a German aristocrat Cosme Damián Schütz to create a European colony in the Peruvian jungle. More specifically in March 1857, a group of 300 Tyrolean and Prussian settlers were lured by the Peruvian government. (Gill, 2011)

In the end, there were promises made but they had to by their own find their space and place in the Peruvian jungle. That's how we end up with the Austro-German colony.

The Austro-German colony is full of history, architecture, and traditions. This contributes richly to our country, Peru is known for being pluricultural because different groups coexist with different cultures.

Nowadays we see this exotic mix of traditions and cultures in Oxapampa. It is not just the first Austro-German colony in Peru but around the world. Full of traditions, it is now home to even people from outside who come for a place here. An example is Manfred Einsiedler, a German who decided to leave his country to stay here in Peru. Einsiedler tells how he was looking for a place on Earth and he decided in the pandemic to buy a house in Oxapampa, for him prices were very attractive and now he happily lives in Oxapampa. Stories like him and more are now being created by this magical place.

It is important to preserve the Austro-German colony and most importantly understand its roots and traditions to attract more tourists and for the origin to never die. Since the pandemic, there has been tourism growth which is definitely helping the businesses around Oxapampa.

Moreover, cultural identity is also an important part of preserving Oxapampa. In a study conducted by students from the San Martín de Porres University, belonging to the Tourism and Hospitality professional school, the aim was to assess the significance of the Austro-German cultural identity for the tourist development of Oxapampa.

After this research, various outcomes were disclosed. Firstly, it was demonstrated that the Austro-German identity plays a fundamental role in the province's tourism growth. The dissemination, practice, and preservation of this cultural identity attract more visitors who seek to experience and engage in local cultural traditions, resulting in economic opportunities and strengthening the sense of pride and belonging among the inhabitants. Additionally, it was determined that the province has unique customs influenced by this culture, adapted to the environment and local needs, ranging from economic activities to dances and gastronomy. These customs enrich Oxapampa's identity. Furthermore, it was evident that the province's gastronomy holds relevance in culinary craftsmanship, contributing an attractive value for tourism. However, a decline in gastronomic practices among the new generations was identified, which could pose a future challenge. Lastly, concerning Oxapampa's tourist attractions, it was concluded that the local cultural manifestations are the primary draws for tourists, driving the tourism offerings and generating economic, social, and cultural benefits for the region.

In general, based on all these reasons, it is concluded that preserving Oxapampa is highly important. Not only its natural areas but also its people, as they play a crucial role in caring for this magnificent place.

References:

BBC News Mundo. (2022, December 30). Pozuzo y Oxapampa: cómo son las dos colonias austro-alemanas de Perú y por qué cada vez más gente decide vivir allí. BBC. https://www.bbc.com/mundo/noticias-america-latina-63867894

Gill, N. (n.d.). Oxapampa: A German-Austrian colony in Peru’s high jungle. Newworldreview.com. Retrieved November 22, 2023, from http://newworldreview.com/2011/11/oxapampa-a-german-austrian-colony-in-peru%E2%80%99s-high-jungle/

Ministerio de Cultura realiza conversatorio virtual “Importancia del Patrimonio Histórico en Pasco.” (n.d.). Lamula.Pe. Retrieved November 22, 2023, from https://tvrobles.lamula.pe/2021/03/21/ministerio-de-cultura-realiza-conversatorio-virtual-importancia-del-patrimonio-historico-en-pasco/tvrobles/

Mayer, N. (2022). LA IMPORTANCIA DE LA IDENTIDAD CULTURAL AUSTROALEMANA PARA EL DESARROLLO TURÍSTICO DE LA PROVINCIA DE OXAPAMPA, REGIÓN PASCO, 2021. In Repositorio Académico USMP. Universidad de San Martín de Porres. https://repositorio.usmp.edu.pe/handle/20.500.12727/11282