Nestled on the shores of Lake Titicaca, Puno is renowned for its vibrant cultural heritage. Each year, the city becomes the heart of one of South America’s most extraordinary celebrations— The Festival of La Candelaria Virgin. Once there, travelers will get contagious about the magic and vivid Peruvian traditions, where indigenous rituals and the Catholic faith blend seamlessly in a grand display of devotion, music, and dances.
Brief Origin of the Festival
La Candelaria Festival in Puno began in 1781 when locals, under siege by Túpac Amaru’s troops, made a procession of La Candelaria Virgin accompanied by candles and sikuris (panpipe blowers). This loud, nocturnal tribute confused the invaders, who fled, so Puno’s citizens credited the Virgin’s protection for their safety, honoring her as their patron saint, known as “Mamacha” Candelaria.
Why the Festival of La Candelaria Virgin is a must-see in Peru?
This festival is more than just a celebration—it reflects Puno’s identity and a living essence of the region’s cultural and religious roots. This festival is an unmissable event for travelers looking to dive into Peru’s authentic traditions and experience the joy, color, and spiritual devotion of the Andean people.
Festival highlights you can’t miss
- The procession of La Candelaria Virgin
Witness the solemn procession of the La Candelaria Virgin, where the sacred image of the Virgin is carried through the streets of Puno, accompanied by a massive crowd of devotees. This showcases a special moment where locals honor the Virgin with prayers, offerings, and songs.
- Dazzling Dance Competitions
One of the festival’s major highlights is the dance contests, with dancers shining during the celebrations with bright-colored and elaborate costumes. Among the most iconic dances is the Diablada, representing the battle between good and evil.
- Music & Folklore
This festival is also a celebration of rich folkloric music. You can feel the air surrounded by vibrant melodies of traditional instruments such as the charango, panpipes, and drums that accompany the dancers showcasing the deeply rooted indigenous traditions of the Andes.
Tips for travelers to enjoy the Festival of Virgin of La Candelaria in Puno
- The festivity lasts two weeks, but during the first weekend, the main activities and parades develop.
- It is a family-friendly activity but take into account that it is important to keep an eye on children and elderly travelers to prevent getting lost in the large crowds. Also, consider that they may need strollers or walking aids for extra support.
- It is recommended to wear layered clothing, a warm jacket, and comfortable shoes for walking during the events.
- As Puno is a high-altitude Andean city, some travelers may experience altitude sickness symptoms such as headache, nausea, and fatigue. It is suggested to acclimatize gradually, rest, and drink plenty of fluids. Also, avoid alcohol, heavy meals, and demanding activities at the start of your trip.
- It is recommended to arrive 2 or 3 days earlier to get acclimatize and explore the surrounding highlights, such as tours to Titicaca Lake or the Floating Islands of Uros.
Plan your client’s visit right on time for February 2025 to enjoy invaluable cultural expressions during the La Candelaria Virgin Festival in Puno. Feel free to contact us for tailor-made itineraries, we are your reliable tour operator in Peru.
Published in October 2024
