Peru Religious Festival
Updated: 31 January 2019
In a few days’ time, on the 2nd of February, the second biggest festival in the whole of Latin America will be commencing in the folkloric capital of Peru, Puno. Surpassed by the numbers of visitors to the Rio de Janeiro Carnival only, the Virgen de la Candelaria Festival is one of the highlights of Puno’s calendar. A festival with both religious gravitas and a reputation for bright and boisterous celebrations makes it one of the most exciting events on the continent of South America.
Dancers parade on the streets of Puno in multicoloured costumes
Puno is a beautiful city situated on the banks of Lake Titicaca, South America’s highest navigable lake which lies at an altitude of 3,800 metres above sea level. Puno’s reputation as the ‘folkloric capital’ is due to a large number of festivals involving music, extravagant costumes, folklore and dancing. Legend has it that the festival sprung from a rebel invasion of Puno in the 17th century. The local inhabitants are said to have paraded the statue of the Virgen de la Candelaria down the streets to invoke her protection. In response, the statue burst into flames and the swords of the locals glowed bright red, frightening off the invaders and saving the town.
Morenada Puno dancers
This year, like any other year, dance groups from surrounding communities will have been spending many hours rehearsing their choreographic routine. In the lead, up to the event, the groups will start arriving in the centre of town adorned in their elaborate costumes.
The day commences with a pilgrimage, setting off at the break of day to a hill, where the celebration of the Virgen de la Candelaria (The Virgin Mary) begins. The procession then makes its way down, with singing, dancing and fireworks and moves through the city, carrying a statue of the Virgen de la Candelaria.
On the opening evening of the festival, the dance competition takes place. Competition in name only, this event usually boasts over 6000 dancers in wonderous costumes and it is seen as an offering to the Virgen de la Candelaria.
During the first seven days of festivities, the procession moves all around the city, made up of indigenous people who dress in traditional costumes and have a different dance style known as ‘danzas autoctonas’. The dancers stop briefly at the Cathedral to be blessed by the priest.
The parade, with equally beautiful costumes, takes place in the second week where a number of musical groups will be performing, dancing and having fun. On the final day, the Virgen of the Candelaria’s statue is carried by several men to the Main Square alongside the dancers, eventually arriving at the church where the Virgen will remain till the following year’s festivities.
The parade, with equally beautiful costumes, takes place in the second week where a number of musical groups will be performing, dancing and having fun. On the final day, the Virgen of the Candelaria’s statue is carried by several men to the Main Square alongside the dancers, eventually arriving at the church where the Virgen will remain till the following year’s festivities.
You’d have to be quick to arrive in time for this festival but if you are looking to visit Peru this season please contact us so we can design an itinerary that includes a trip to one of Puno’s many vibrant festivals.
By Elena Larkin
Images courtesy of Coltur
