The big day has arrived at Casa Chaikoni, the spiritual healing center of the Shipibo-Konibo, where the community gathers to celebrate AniCheati, a sacred Shipibo-Konibo festival marking the inauguration of the center and the coming of age of Marie and Philippe's daughter.

The festivities begin at sunrise, with traditional songs and dances to honor the ancestors and the spirits of nature. The houses are adorned with colorful motifs, symbols of protection and healing, while the enchanting aromas of medicinal plants fill the air.

At the heart of the ceremony, Anna receives the blessings of the elders and healers, who recognize in her the strength and wisdom of her ancestors. She is initiated into the secrets of plant medicine by the curandera Isabel Pinedo, becoming a guardian of tradition and a healer in the making.

During this significant ritual, Isabel gently cuts Anna's bangs, marking her transition into adolescence and symbolizing the young girl’s inner transformation. This meaningful gesture paves the way for new perspectives, a personal rebirth, and the flourishing of her being.

Drums resonate, voices rise, and faces light up with joy and gratitude. The community gathers around the sacred fire to share festive meals, stories, and laughter, reinforcing the bonds of love and unity that connect them.

On this special day, Casa Chaikoni opens a new chapter of healing, sharing, and transformation, carried by the magic of AniCheati and the radiant light of Anna, who embodies hope and the promise of a future imbued with spirituality and healing.

Henceforth, this celebration will occur annually in August at the center, honoring not only tradition, healing, and the beauty of life, but also the unity of the community and the transmission of ancestral knowledge. By perpetuating these traditions, the community strengthens not only its intergenerational bonds but also its cultural identity, ensuring that the precious lessons of the past continue to inspire future generations in their quest for wisdom and well-being.