Cantagallo: Chronology of a community in resistance

A tragic dawn for Cantagallo. The members of the Shipibo community of Cantagallo lost everything in a fire that was described as uncontrollable. The blaze consumed everything, leaving them utterly destitute. According to witnesses, it happened around midnight. A lit candle, forgotten in the market area, was likely the cause of the devastating fire. The flames spread through dozens of homes. The desperation and cries of the Shipibo community members were heartbreaking; they lost everything in a matter of minutes. At dawn, the scene was one of desolation, with bewildered families staring blankly at each other. It is estimated that the fire destroyed 280 houses, and some 480 families were left without the resources to relocate. In the following days, NGOs and social organizations donated food supplies, clothing, and tents to the affected families. The Shipibo community of Cantagallo slowly began to rebuild itself. They resettled in the same place where they arrived in the early 2000s, and it became a symbol of Amazonian culture in the city of Lima. Despite promises of reconstruction from the authorities, these proposals fell through. The efforts of the inhabitants of the Cantagallo community have been slow, and they have had to organize themselves meticulously to ensure a sustainable future for their descendants. After the tragedy, Cantagallo became a symbol of the resilience of Indigenous communities in the cities. They continue to fight to develop their territory and rebuild their culture alongside the concrete jungle of Lima.