An amazing Peru festival in your trip Each year during the first two weeks of February, Puno hosts one of the largest and most vibrant festivals in all of South America - the spectacular Festival of the Virgen de la Candelaria. Paying homage to their patron saint, tens of thousands of dancers and musicians from all over the Peruvian Altiplano gather together on the shores of Lake Titicaca transforming Puno into the “Folkloric Capital of Peru.” Legend has it that during a large battle in the 1700’s, rebels attempted to overtake the city of Puno. Largely outnumbered, the townspeople struggled and were on the verge of losing the city until one villager desperately took a statue of the Virgin into battle. Morale quickly rose, and with the Virgin’s protection, the city’s inhabitants were able to force the invaders into retreat. Since then, La Candelaria is considered the patron saint of the land. The original statue is proudly venerated in the city’s main church and is taken out each year for the festival. For many days, the streets are flooded with colorful processions, strewn with confetti, and alit with fireworks. Dances are performed throughout the festival including a full-day competition featuring over 200 different styles of dance. The diverse styles reflect the deep folkloric tradition of the Quechua and Aymara cultures of the region. Donned in spectacularly colorful costumes and masks, the performers dance and sing along to traditional Andean music aiming to please the Lady of Candelaria, and to of course win the competition and that year’s bragging rights. The festivities culminate days later with thousands taking part in a lively five-kilometer parade through the city. Contact us to visit and take part in next year’s Candelaria Festival Puno.
An amazing Peru festival in your trip Each year during the first two weeks of February, Puno hosts one of the largest and most vibrant festivals in all of South America – the spectacular Festival of the Virgen de la Candelaria. Paying homage to their patron saint, tens of thousands of…
Aracari’s Weekly Insight The Question How many different types of dance are on display at this month’s Fiesta de la Candelaria? The Answer One of the largest festivals in South America, there are over 200 styles of dance on display at this months Virgen de la Candelaria festival, held annually in the first two weeks of February. Tens of thousands of dancers and musicians from the various regions of the Peruvian Altiplano descend upon the stadium of the city of Puno on Lake Titicaca to take part in competitions. The sheer scale of the proceedings makes the festival comparable to the Carnavals of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil and Oruro in Bolivia. The styles of dancing are extremely diverse and original reflecting the deep folkloric traditions held by Quechua and Aymara cultures in the region. Participators don costumes of incredible colour and decoration, making this a quite spectacular scene for any visitor. For more information about this year’s event visit the official website (in Spanish) Virgen de la Candelaria Puno. Also check out our information on Peru festivals.
Aracari’s Weekly Insight The Question How many different types of dance are on display at this month’s Fiesta de la Candelaria? The Answer One of the largest festivals in South America, there are over 200 styles of dance on display at this months Virgen de la Candelaria festival, held annually…
Aracari's Weekly Insight The Question: To which Peruvian cocktail is tomorrow dedicated? The Answer: Tomorrow, the first Saturday in February, is officially National Pisco Sour Day! Made from limes, ice, egg white, sugar syrup and Pisco, Peruvians hold an immense deal of pride for this cocktail, to the extent that it is considered to be Peru’s National Drink. And for good reason. The refreshing cocktail is both quite unique and very sophisticated: the bitter tang of fresh lime is complimented wonderfully by the sweetness of the syrup and strength of the Pisco, all blended together in an impossibly smooth and frothy texture which goes down like a treat before lingering on the palette. Notable buzz surrounds the event, with a number of Pisco Sour festivals set for tomorrow in key plazas and neighbourhoods across the city, including the Plaza de Armas, with many revelers expected to attend. Pisco: Pride of Peru In a sign of the deep appreciation that Peruvians have for Pisco Sour, a recent advertising campaign aimed at the international market has seen success in pitting the drink against other famous spirits from across the world - namely whisky, tequila and vodka - in quite humorous fashion: And this very morning, Top chef Gaston Acurio made a special tribute to Pisco Sour on his hugely popular facebook page to a rapturous reception: Which can be roughly translated as: “Pisco Sour, a Peruvian creation made with Peruvian products on the verge of becoming a global product. One step from being found not only in Peruvian restaurants but in all bars, restaurants and hotels in the world. A little piece of the heart of Peru in the most sophisticated locations in the world. An example of this New Peru, renovated, unique, magic, ideas that come direct from Peruvian identity, and
Aracari’s Weekly Insight The Question: To which Peruvian cocktail is tomorrow dedicated? The Answer: Tomorrow, the first Saturday in February, is officially National Pisco Sour Day! Made from limes, ice, egg white, sugar syrup and Pisco, Peruvians hold an immense deal of pride for this cocktail, to the extent that…
