AMAZON PEOPLE'S TRADITIONS

Traditional ways of life among Amazon people are being rapidly lost as indigenous cultures are assimilated into the dominant Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking culture. Most visitors to the Amazon can get a glimpse of the aboriginal traditions through staged dances and locals in native dress. Purists argue that these demonstrations are a travesty and demeaning. On the other hand, the occasions offer local people the opportunity to earn much-needed cash, and to maintain ancient rituals and celebrations. Without the interest of paying tourists, these vestiges could be lost forever.