The cross-quarter days between the December solstice and the March equinox, in English called Candlemas, groundhog day, or Imbolc, here in Puno is celebrated as Candalaria, a two week festival to honor the Virgin Mary and the folklore of Peru. The statue of the Virgin is carried in procession through the streets. Some claim this is the second largest festival (after Rio de Janerio) in all of South America.
One weekend features more indigenous dances and the second, called Trajes de Luces, features fantastic complicated costumes. For a group of dancers and musicians to participate in the competition, they must have a minimum of 100 members. After competing in the stadium, the dancers pour out into the streets with music and color and overwhelming energy.
Dressed for performance, the dancers welcome photos!
This fellow shows us his mask costume as he prepares to enter the stadium.
Out on the street! Sikuris with panpipes and feathered headdresses.
Twirlling the fringe
Twirling the skirts
Children join the fun and add a large measure of charm.
Skimpy costumes and high heels.
Detailed embroidered applique enhance the costumes.
Three Taquile men, including Evaristo and Elias, were in a band with their tubas.
When the Virgin in paraded through the streets, people shower her with flowers. Flower salespeople fill the streets with their beautiful wares.
This gold-painted and costumed woman pretended to be a statue until someome put money in her jar, then performed a little ritual feather dance. Sam was enchanted, and frequently awoke her from her statue-hood with his coins. Then she invited him into the picture.
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