Carnivals are global celebrations of color, music, and fun that vary by region and culture. From the famous Carnival of Rio de Janeiro to the elegant Carnival of Venice, these celebrations feature extravagant parades, elaborate costumes, and contagious dancing that unite communities around the world and mark a time of fun and relaxation before the start of the Lenten season.

In Peru, these festivities are also a cause for great celebration, including the Carnival of Cajamarca, with parades, dancing contests and music in the streets, as well as the one in Puno, famous for its celebration of the Virgen de la Candelaria, which combines the catholic religion with andean traditions. Here, the colorful costumes, traditional music and joyful atmosphere contribute to the great diversity of carnivals around the world.

Source: Portal de Turismo

In Cajamarca, this festivity is one of the most awaited celebrations by the locals as well as national and international tourists. During this festival, everyone enjoys a unique experience full of water, colorful costumes, paintings and, of course, dances. This traditional celebration takes place from February 9th to 14th, although, as in all carnivals, there are a series of previous activities, such as the famous water `globeada´, dance contests and the presentation of the candidates for Miss Carnival.

During the official days of the carnival, visitors can enjoy a variety of events, including patrol and troupe contests, concerts and the triumphal entry of the Ño Carnavalón. This last, the central figure of the celebration, is an anthropomorphic creature about one and a half meters high, characterized by its luxurious clothing that reflects abundance in every detail.

At the other end of the country, in Puno, from February 2 to 13, the main dates of one of the continent's most important festivals are celebrated: the Virgen de la Candelaria. This event represents a unique fusion of catholic faith and andean religiosity in honor of the patron saint of Puno, who is closely associated with the Pachamama, or `Mother Earth´.

During this celebration, more than 40 thousand dancers and 9 thousand musicians from all over the region fill the streets of Puno with joy and color. They perform parades, traditional dawn masses in the early hours of the morning, burning fireworks and contests of typical costumes and dances, all in honor of the Mamita Candelaria, as she is known by her followers.

The celebration of the Virgen de la Candelaria, along with the carnival of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil and the carnival of Oruro in Bolivia, are among the largest and most popular festivities in Latin America.

Carnivals in Peru, like the one in Cajamarca, and the celebration of the Virgen de la Candelaria in Puno, are expressions of the cultural richness of our beautiful and diverse country. More than simple celebrations, they are symbols of the deep connection between faith, tradition and the identity of each region, attracting visitors from all over the world to enjoy their color, music and contagious joy. Don't miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in these unique festivities and experience the authentic essence of Peruvian culture while enjoying the dance, local gastronomy and hospitality of its people.