chalaca 27
"Chalaca or Chalaco" refers to the fishermen in the Port of Callao that go out fishing in half-moon shaped boats called "chalas" carrying nets and fishing hooks. The fishermen than steer these boats are called "chalacos" and traditionally the "chalaco" always carries a knife. These are rough, hard working men and are very able, and resourcesul seaman. The knife is not to harm or be a showman, the need for the knife is so the "chalaco" can repair his fishing nets. When one does a "chalaca" its a way of saying the individual used his skill or ability to do the extraordinary thinking/move to overcome adversity. The "chalaco" may see doing a "chalaca" to rescue the boat, the nets and the catch from sinking into the ocean in rough seas. A "chalaco" is a humble fisherman and uses his cunning/moves to overcome a disadvantage and save his hard earned work.