Our Lady's Day from Candelaria

Feast of the Virgin Mary of CandelariaCelebrations in honor of the Virgin of Candelaria occur during the first two and a half weeks of February and include feasts, fireworks, religious processions, costumed parades through the streets of Puno.

On the main day of the holiday - February 2 - a decorated statue of the Virgin from Candelaria sweeps through the city. The procession involves priests, a church choir, troupes of musicians and dancers. A lively, noisy and colorful procession moves through the streets of Puno, presenting an impressive sight for spectators.

One of the most interesting dances is the Diablada or Devil’s Dance. According to legend, several miners ended up in a cave late at night, surrounded by dozens of demons and taken to hell. The miners prayed for mercy on their patroness, the Virgin Mary of Candelaria. She came to their aid and saved them. Since February 2, this dance has been performed in her honor. Dancers performing the dance should be dressed in special costumes, the main attribute of which is a multicolored heavy mask with twisted horns.

At the end of the festive events there is a farewell ritual, participants go to the cemetery to honor the memory of the dead.

The Feast of the Virgin Mary in Candelaria is a holiday associated with agriculture and mining, which are the main activities of this region.