comuneros (community members) to independently contract workers from the indigenous

community for the flower plantations. These indigenous contractors receive a portion of

the low wage offered, giving rise to a new social class and disrupting unity in the

community (Castelnuovo et al 2000: 82), a practice that undermines the traditional value

of solidarity in indigenous communities.

 Cultural changes also have been linked to the flower industry. Communal activities

strongly immersed in local culture have been affected by the presence of the flower

industry. Cultural celebrations or gatherings, such as mingas (communal work activities),

are diminishing in importance due to the introduction of activities related to the flower

industry, such as sports, parties and Christmas and other celebrations. Peasant flower

workers cannot attend local gatherings due to their work schedule. Of course, this

cultural loss is linked not only to the flower industry, but to the general process of

development and economic crisis, which plays a pervasive role in undermining cultural

practices. One of the women I interviewed1 explained that due to the economic situation

in Mulauco, the priostazgo,2 a distinctive aspect of local culture, has been lost in the last

few years. The importance of Corpus Christi, a traditional religious celebration in

Mulauco, is also declining.3

 The increasing use of land by flower growers also leads to the reduction of other

economic activities. For example, in flower growing areas, the production of milk, meat,

potatoes, and other agriculture products has declined.


1 Interview with Susana Quilumba.
2 Aprioste is a man who presides over a yearly communal festivity, generally religious in nature. The
position is an important one, bestowed annually on the head of a household recognized in his community
for his honor and prosperity. Besides presiding over the festivities, the priostes must cover a good portion
of the cost of the communal celebration, including food, contest prizes, the mass offered, etc. (Interview
with Susana Quilumba).
3 Interview with Susana Quilumba.