An event that brings together Peruvian folklore between locals and tourists to celebrate for 3 days between festivities and traditions. The most anticipated festival of the month of July takes place in Paucartambo. In 2006, the Ministry of Culture declared the festival of the Virgin of Carmen as cultural heritage of the nation.
In pre-Hispanic times, the Paucartambo region was inhabited by the Pokes, Wallas and Lares, who were settled in that area by the Incas. During the Inca Empire, this area belonged to the Antisuyo region and was considered the entrance to the ancient Cuzco capital to the jungle peoples.
In 1565, the Spanish government established the Paucartambo district, and on June 21, 1825, immediately after Independence, Paucartambo was declared a province of Cuzco.
Paucartambo has great historical value, characterized by being a small town that still preserves colonial-style buildings. Such as its adobe houses with white walls and blue balconies.
It is important that you know that the town of Paucartambo is 2,906 meters above sea level, so that you can take the necessary precautions.
Find a flight to Cusco at the time that best suits you, Cusco is the best option to depart for Paucartambo.
From the imperial city of Cusco you will have 2 road options to get to Paucartambo.
The first option, also the most economical, is to get a bus at the stations located on the diagonal or at the San Jerónimo checkpoint. The fare is approximately 30 soles, but taking into account that many people travel to Paucartambo at this time, the price may vary.
The other option you have is to rent a private car. The trip takes 3 hours covering 110 km through beautiful natural landscapes.
When planning a visit to Paucartambo, travelers can choose from a variety of accommodations ranging from simple, budget hostels to cozy guesthouses.
In the heart of the village, hostels offer basic comfort and a homely atmosphere, ideal for those looking for a quiet place to rest after exploring. Guesthouses provide a more personal experience, often with the opportunity to interact more closely with hosts and learn about the local culture.
For nature and adventure lovers, there is also the option of camping in the surroundings of Paucartambo, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful Andean landscape.
The cult of the Virgin of Carmen began in the 17th century, and oral tradition records data of this festival that dates back to the colonial and republican era.
Peruvians and foreigners come to pay homage to the Virgin of Carmen, showing their devotion and being part of this great festival.
The celebration officially begins in the afternoon with fireworks and dances. The night is opportune to start the bonfire, where the collas, chunchos and maqtas stage the purgatory. Later the serenade to the Virgin begins with the different troupes.
It is the Central Day, which begins at 5 am with a dawn mass. It continues at 10 am with the long-awaited festive mass, where the songs of the black collas and Ccápac stand out.
At the end of the mass, you can approach the Virgin to meet her up close and place your intentions on her clothing on small plaques that reflect these wishes. Then, take the opportunity to place the candles of the petitions on the left side of the church. Each candle has a meaning depending on the color: Green for money, red for love, purple for success, yellow for health, white for peace and pink for harmony.
After the masses, the dances take over Paucartambo and this is the perfect moment to contemplate the beautiful costumes.
In the afternoon, the procession of the Virgin of Carmen begins with the dancers; each dance has a story and an important role in this festivity.
The procession ends when the Virgin blesses the entire town.
When night falls, the celebration begins in style. Each group moves into a house where the celebration continues, but in a more intimate atmosphere. The dancing, singing and partying continue until dawn, where the only rule is to respect their traditions and not stop dancing.
It is the day of blessing and guerrilla warfare. After mass and blessing, the groups go to the cemetery in a parade to visit the deceased dancers amidst songs and memories. In the afternoon, the second procession takes place and then the population goes to the square to attend the traditional guerrilla warfare between the collas and the chunchos. The collas want to take the virgin to the highlands and the chunchos want her to stay in Paucartambo. This day ends with a party in the square of Paucartambo.
To fully enjoy this holiday, it is essential to be well prepared. Here is a list of essential items:
Warm clothing for the night: Gloves, chullo (Andean hat), jackets, etc., since the nights can be cold.
Comfortable shoes: Preferably for trekking, as you might walk quite a bit during the festivities.
Camera: The sights and events are worth remembering.
Cap or hat: To protect yourself from the sun during the day.
Sunscreen: Altitude makes the sun stronger.
Mosquito repellent: Especially useful if you decide to explore the surrounding natural areas.
Rehydrating water and snacks or fruits: To keep you hydrated and energized.
Identification Documents: It is always important to carry identification with you.
The streets of Paucartambo are filled with different food stalls. You can also opt for the traditional picanterías to taste the delicious “Merienda”, a traditional dish consisting of baked guinea pig, capchi with beans, stuffed rocoto, noodles and French toast.
If you have free time in Paucartambo, you should visit the Paucartambo People’s Museum. This museum exhibits archaeological cultural goods, ceramics and textiles produced by the current communities.
Take advantage of your stay in Paucartambo and visit one of the most impressive sunrises that occurs between the months of May and July at 5am. To get to the viewpoint you have to travel for 1 hour from Paucartambo; there is an entrance fee. It is a natural observatory on top of a mountain from where you have a panoramic view of the sunrise.
The dances go through the streets of Paucartambo, the various characters of these dances make up an organization of historical events that took place in Paucartambo.
Wayra: A parody and satire of the administration of justice with the participation of judges, prosecutors and notaries.
Chilean Auqa: Their costumes are reminiscent of military uniforms, representing historical struggles and confrontations.
Qhapac Chunchu: Their exotic costumes include feathers and skins, representing Amazonian warriors, protectors of the Virgin of Carmen.
Saqra: Their costumes include horned demon masks and colorful clothing with red and black details. These characters represent demons who try to tempt the faithful, but also add a touch of humor and mischief to the festival.
Qhapac Qolla: represents the ancient Qolla merchants and, along with the black Qhapac, they are the only ones who have songs for the Virgin. They also have the obligation to attend Qoyllority.
Qhapac Negro: The costumes include dark masks and clothing that reflect the mix of joy and melancholy, symbolizing the African slaves brought during the colony.
Contradanza: Agricultural dance, which also mocks the ballroom dance danced by the Spanish elites during the colonial era.
Chunchacha: Dance composed by women without commitment, represents the jungle, chhuncha, exotic, radiant and warrior woman.
Majeño: Represents the ancient muleteers who traded wines, hot water and other products from the Majes Valley in Arequipa.
Qollacha: These dancers wear costumes that represent the merchants of the Altiplano, with characteristic hats and ponchos.
Misti Qanchi: It is danced after field work as a tribute to Pachamama.
Bakers: They wear clothing that represents the town’s bakers, with aprons and baking utensils.
The WaKa WaKa: Dance of colonial origin, uses the bullfighting festival and the entire process of bullfights.
Paucarttampu: Representation of how customs, myths and legends are still preserved in this province.
Chukchu: They represent the laborers who went from Paucartambo to the jungle to work on the farms where they contracted malaria.
Negrillos: Represents the son of slaves of black origin who worked in the cotton fields and vineyards and escaping from the yoke of slavery, sings and dances with hope to the Virgin of Carmen.
Dansaq: He is a scattered mythical character, showing his role as Don Juan, and being the seducer of fifteen-year-old girls, conqueror of married women and consolation of widows.
K’achampa: warrior dance of Inca origin, represents the triumph of the Quechua warriors during the expansion of Tahuantinsuyu.
Maqta: Cholo de servicio, it is an individual dance that is part of all the groups, they are the buffoons of the party for the misdeeds they commit against the dancers and the general public.
– During the Paucartambo festival, the ukukus (a legendary character, son of a woman and a bear in the Cusco myth) are not seen because in Paucartambo it is believed that they are the representation of the devil, this belief may come from the movie Cuculí.
– The festival of the Virgin of Carmen in Paucartambo has been a tradition passed down from generation to generation, the dancers have to be performed by locals from Paucartambo or children of Paucartambinos.
The magic of Peru is not only found in its nature, biodiversity and archaeological remains, traditional festivities, local folklore and beliefs and legends are a living heritage that enriches the experience of traveling in Peru.
The Festival of the Virgin of Carmen in Paucartambo is a unique experience that combines faith, culture, and celebration. If you are looking to immerse yourself in an authentic tradition and live unforgettable moments, this is a festival you cannot miss!
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