The Festival of San Pacho is not only a time to celebrate and unify the local community, but also to defend and protect the natural environment of the Chocó region. The Río Atrato (Atrato River) winds through much of the Chocó region, and is a vital resource for many Chocoano communities. Walking around Quibdó during the festival, my friends and I stumbled upon an artisan market that was raising funds to support the protection of the Atrato River from mine pollution and other forms of environmental destruction. I bought two hand-woven traditional dolls to support the cause. During the parade later that day, I also saw a float dedicated to protecting the Atrato River. People living in the Chocó region already face many threats to their natural environment, and don't even have access to clean tap water like many Colombians in other parts of the country do. Fighting for their environment is an important part of promoting peace and community resilience in their region.
