THE CITY OF LEK'ULEE K'EY IS HIDDEN among the clouds. Informally known as the city of white needles and phantoms, a rumbling cold sets in and let’s you know you’ve arrived. Before you continue with any activities in the city, you must check into the gates of the heating glass. Towering white needles line the roads guiding you to those gates. Imperial guards monitor your entrance. So as a tip, remember to leave a gift for the keepers.
I bet you didn’t know the forces of nature were musicians, did you? They all come to Lek’ulee K’ey and project their part in the orchestra. Remember your levy, and realize you are now an active participant in the place you go to listen. Different festivals of neighboring
provinces overlap. Traces of each are seen in colors, lights, and masks. All with different intentions and tones curses are muttered, prayers are sung, and greetings received. Stay long enough and you’ll catch the Sun and Moon come down in ladders. Long time patrons, the phantoms know their nuanced tastes and recite their traditional exchanges. All badges and ranks are left at the gates, but everyone has an understanding of their part. So as a tip, remember to perform your piece for the place. Hopefully, you can leave hearing the applause for your part.
Words © Edwin Castillo/ Image © Liz Cuadrado