Callezaya, 69, along with his son, an Aymara historian, will arrive from Pariti Island, located in the smaller part of Lake Titicaca, where they will share stories about this aquatic plant. In a workshop, the master artisan will demonstrate the creation of handicrafts made from totora reeds, as well as the importance of protecting the water.

Through this exchange of experiences, the artisan will showcase his life amidst the aquatic plant, beyond his crafting, as it provides fodder and helps in raising the eggs of birds like the coot and duck, which provide food for the local communities.

Likewise, he commented, the freshly harvested totora reeds are consumed by the people: their tender, white parts help cleanse the kidneys and also contribute to the local economy.

According to him, the community members of Pariti, based on their lives among the totora reeds, share stories that have endured through time, although many of their practices have changed.

As an example, he emphasized that the old stoves fueled with dried totora reeds have been replaced by liquefied gas, and the mats used to store foods like chuño and tunta, corn, or quinoa have been replaced by plastic containers.

During the discussion, the Calizaya family anticipated, they will also address what it is like to live among the totora reeds, highlighting the importance of knowing the wind direction to navigate the natural trails, as well as reading the clouds to navigate safely on the lake.

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