The night sky above Ushuaia, Argentina, shone brightly with torchlight as over 120 skiers took part in a torchlight descent, skiing down the snow-covered slopes of Martial Glacier.
The annual "Torchlight Descent" was held for the 31st time and is one of Ushuaia’s key events. Known as the world’s southernmost city, the event was organized to mark Mountaineer’s Day.
Images from the event showed skiers descending the mountain in the dark, with dozens of torches lined up creating a spectacular sight on the snowy slopes, while hundreds of spectators awaited at the base, cheering and applauding the skiers as they arrived.
Sebastian Beltrame, a participating skier, said the descent with torches reflects the mountain culture and identity of Tierra del Fuego, meaning the Land of Fire, and that all participants brought energy and enthusiasm to the mountain.
Another skier, Sofia Pierce, commented that climbing to the starting point under such weather was challenging, but skiing down amid cheers and torchlight was thrilling and deeply moving.
After the descent from the glacier, the event continued with live music, local food, and a significant ritual involving the lighting and burning of a large paper effigy.
Alfonso Lavado, a participating skier, explained that burning the effigy symbolizes recycling or a fresh start, representing leaving the old behind and beginning a new season.
The Torchlight Descent took place at End of the World Park in Ushuaia, capital of Tierra del Fuego province, located about 2,350 kilometers south of Buenos Aires. It is a popular destination for tourists seeking to experience Argentina’s extreme southern landscapes.
. Source :AP
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