Fiesta de la Virgen del Carmen
Mamacha Carmen
DESCRIPTION:
This festival is a fine example of Andean culture blended with Catholicism, the Fiesta de la Virgen del Carmen is held annually around the 16th of July in the relatively small town of Paucartambo, some four hours outside of Cusco. This three or four-day festival is nominally religious but also one of the biggest and wildest parties in Peru, drawing visitors from all over the country, many of whom pass the nights sleeping under the stars as there's simply not enough space in town! If you know what you're looking for, you'll actually notice some serious Peruvian history depicted in the festival's songs, costumes, and dance, for example, black-masked dancers represent African slaves imported to work the silver mines here during the colonial era.
Background:
The history of the Virgen del Carmen Festival in Paucartambo dates back to the 13th century. According to folklore, a wealthy young woman was heading to Paucartambo to trade a silver dish when she came across a beautiful, bodiless head. This head reportedly spoke to the woman when she placed it on the dish, saying her name was Carmen and that she was not to be feared but trusted.
The locals of Paucartambo soon began asking Carmen for wishes. It is said that they witnessed rays of light shining from her head and that she performed many miracles among the community. Known locally as ‘Mamacha Carmen’, she is now the patron saint of Paucartambo and the mestizo population. Today, this unique festival in Cusco province attracts visitors from across Peru and South America.
When to go:
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July 15-17th
Day 1: July 15th
The Virgen del Carmen Festival begins with the blasting of a rocket and the ringing of bells. People visit the church, pray and leave flowers for the virgin. Dance troupes and bands swirl among the crowds during the day and the night features a spectacular fireworks display. Performers jump through fires to ‘cleanse’ themselves; they stage battles and perform crowd-pleasing acrobatics. This extravaganza, accompanied by the mischievous antics of fire-wielding performers, is an impressive end to the day’s events.
Day 2: July 16th
This is the festival’s main day, in which the Procession of the Virgen del Carmen takes place in the afternoon. The Virgin Carmen is bestowed with rose petals and flowers as she is paraded throughout the town. This procession is especially relevant, as it is a symbolic display of the locals’ devotion to Christianity. Blessing the faithful and warding off demons, the virgin’s presence signifies good triumphing over evil.
Day 3: July 17th
Dancers and musicians visit the cemetery on the third day, where they sing, dance and honor the souls of the deceased.
As a result, this is a moving celebration of life and remembrance of death.