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.