UJ #17 - Traditional Peru

FEBRUARY | FESTIVITY OF THE VIRGIN OF CANDELARIA
Renzo Giraldo / PromPerú
The heavens and the underworld come together once
a year in Puno during one of the most important folkloric
celebrations in Peru. Decorated in colourful outfits and
terrifying masks, angels and devils take over the streets and
dance for the Mamacha Candelaria during the internationally
recognized festivity of the VirgIn of Candelaria.
Throughout the first week of February, the streets of
Puno are overcome with colour, music, and excitement.
Thousands of people arrive from all over Peru to witness
and partake in this celebration that highlights the
harmonious coexistence of two of the most important
cultural groups in southern Peru: the Quechua and
the Aymara. These people are the beating heart of
the celebration, sharing their customs, traditions, and
energy with each other and the masses.
The devotion for Puno’s Virgin of Candelaria dates back
to the Spanish Viceroyalty. When the conquistadors
arrived to Peru, they brought with them a new religion
that was imposed on native communities. Nonetheless,
most natives secretly maintained their beliefs and
rituals – keeping the Andean worldviews alive. It is these
IN 2014, UNESCO NAMED THE FIESTA
OF THE VIRGEN DE CANDELARIA AN
INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE EVENT.
Renzo Giraldo / PromPerú
symbolic elements from ancient Andean beliefs that are
highlighted and celebrated during this festivity.
The ten-day celebration begins with an early morning
‘dawn mass’ on the first day of February. That same night,
a fire is lit in front of the church in order to ‘purify’ the
attendees, while fireworks illuminate the sky. The next day,
after morning mass, the image of the Virgin is taken out
for a procession through the city, guided by her devotees.
Two days later, one of the most popular and anticipated
activities takes place as the thousands of dancers and
musicians who have gathered in Puno have the chance
to parade through the streets, showing off their best
garments. Over 300 dance troops represent different
dances, which include the caporales, the yapurichis, and
the chacareros, among others.
One of the most emblematic dances performed in
honour of the Mamacha Candelaria, however, is the
famous Diablada. Dressed in huge masks and elaborated
The Enrique Torres
Belón Stadium fills with
people year after year.
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Each dance troupes’ delicately
elaborated mask tells a different story.