Betsknate: A Celebration of Reconciliation with Mother Earth and Indigenous Wisdom

At DELZUR, we are deeply committed to protecting Mother Earth and celebrating the indigenous communities that have been the true guardians of our planet’s biodiversity for centuries. One such community that exemplifies this deep connection with nature is the Kamëntsá Biyá people, whose values and traditions have been passed down through generations.

The Kamëntsá people primarily inhabit the Sibundoy Valley, with presence in San Francisco, Mocoa, and Orito. Although their numbers are small in other regions, their cultural significance remains vital. The Kamëntsá have a spiritual and symbiotic relationship with the natural world, which is reflected in all aspects of their lives, from their rituals to their social structure.

A Cosmovision Deeply Connected to Nature

The Kamëntsá cosmovision is intricately linked to the natural world, with a belief in the presence of spirits in their environment. For them, nature is not just something to admire but something that must be cherished and nurtured. Their connection to the Earth is reflected in their daily practices, and their cultural principles are grounded in balance between humans and nature.

Within their worldview, the three fundamental pillars that sustain their way of life are:

• Juabn (Thought): The mindset and orientation that guide their decisions.
• Nemoria (Origin and Identity): Their understanding of their origins and who they are.
• Biyan (Mother Tongue): The language that connects them to their ancestors and the world around them.

These values are not abstract concepts; they manifest in their rituals, celebrations, and daily interactions within the family and community.

Betsknate Festival: A Day of Reconciliation with Mother Earth

One of the most important cultural events for the Kamëntsá is the Betsknate or “Great Day”, celebrated on the Monday before Ash Wednesday. This is a day dedicated to reconciliation—not only with others but also with the Earth and the spirits. The Betsknate Festival is a celebration of forgiveness, gratitude, and renewal: a time to honor the past while embracing the future. It is a profound expression of family unity and respect for nature, a celebration of life’s cycles, and a time to seek balance with the world around us.

Prior to Betsknate, the Kamëntsá engage in a series of rituals, starting on November 2nd with Uacnayte (Day of the Dead), where they honor their ancestors and loved ones who have passed. This marks the beginning of the preparations for the great celebration, which includes creating traditional crowns, musical instruments, and carefully selecting the best corn and beans for food. These preparations are a vital part of the celebration and emphasize the spiritual readiness for the new year.

The Betsknate Festival itself is more than just a celebration: it is a time for forgiveness, reflection, and personal growth. During this festival, community members ask for forgiveness, share wisdom, and seek the blessings of elders and ancestors for a prosperous year ahead. It is a moment to leave old grudges behind, and families gather to reconcile, offering flowers as symbols of respect and forgiveness.

Why It Matters: Protecting Mother Earth and Supporting Indigenous Communities

In a world where biodiversity is increasingly threatened, it is essential to recognize the role that indigenous communities like the Kamëntsá play in protecting our planet. Their ancestral knowledge and traditions not only provide insight into how to live sustainably, but they also remind us of the interconnection of all life. Through practices like the Betsknate Festival, they show us the importance of balance and harmony with nature—lessons that are more crucial than ever.

At our company, we are dedicated to supporting indigenous communities and preserving their cultural heritage, while working to protect the biodiversity that these communities have cared for across generations. We believe that by honoring their traditions, we can build a future where nature and culture thrive together.

By supporting these communities, we aim to give visibility to their role as the true guardians of biodiversity, and we invite you to join us on this journey. Together, we can contribute to the protection of Mother Earth, while celebrating and honoring the wisdom of the Kamëntsá and other indigenous peoples who have been the stewards of our world for centuries.

Protecting the Earth, One Tradition at a Time.