Gratitude and Ancestral Respect: Atacameño Community Performs ‘Pago a la Tierra’ Ceremony at the Observatory

According to the Lickanantay worldview, this sacred rite renews the bond of reciprocity with nature and marks the beginning of a new agricultural cycle.

On Saturday, August 8, ALMA’s Operations Support Facility (OSF) hosted the traditional Pago a la Tierra (Payment to the Earth) ceremony, a cultural and spiritual gathering conducted by the Indigenous Atacameño Community of La Puna de Tocol, Alis, Celeste, and Puques.

This ancestral practice represents a fundamental pillar of the Lickanantay worldview, expressing a relationship of reciprocity, respect, and gratitude toward nature, the land, and their ancestors for everything the Earth provides to sustain life.

The ceremony took place in an area of significant historical and cultural value for the community, which preserves the remains of an ancient homestead linked to the ancestral pastoral occupation of the area. During the ritual, a ceremonial space was set up with various symbolic offerings to ask for protection and foster harmony among people, livestock, the mountains, water, and the natural forces of the territory.

“For ALMA, hosting the Pago a la Tierra ceremony at our facilities is a profound gesture of gratitude and respect for the Lickanantay culture. This milestone not only connects us with the worldview and ancestral wisdom of our neighboring communities, but also reaffirms our commitment to coexisting in harmony with them, honoring their understanding of the relationship between human well-being and environmental stewardship,” explained Catalina Margulis, Corporate Secretary of ALMA.

Following the conclusion of the rite, community members took part in a guided tour of the observatory facilities, gaining firsthand insight into the scientific and technological dimensions of the project. The day concluded in the Yakana Room with light refreshments and a warm space for dialogue and fellowship between the participants and the ALMA team.