Shamans in Peru have conducted ceremonies imploring the spirits to save the world from apocalypse.
The rituals were conducted on Thursday in Lima, Peru's capital, as part of a regular series of events designed to welcome the new year.
During their ceremony, the shamans made efforts to address rumours of a supposed Mayan prophecy about the end of the world occurring in 2012.
While the Mayan civilisation was largely based in what is now Mexico, the rumours have spread across the world, fuelled by Hollywood movies, superstition and opportunistic merchandising.
Juan Osco, one of the Andean shaman, said: "This is not going to happen. To those who think that way to spread panic, we say no the world is not going to end.
"A new spiritual world of peace and love is starting."
The ceremonies also included attempts to send goodwill to various world leaders, including American president Barack Obama and newly anointed North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un.
According to one recent poll, up to 14% of people currently believe that the world will come to an end in 2012.