Today marks the high point of a spectacular four-day festival held each year in the small Peruvian village of Paucartambo.The festival honors the village’s patron saint, the Virgin Mary, known to the locals as “mamita de Carmen.” Like many Latin American festivals, this one features processionals, parades, and dancing. What makes it unique is the extreme dedication that townspeople show–all preparations for the festival must be done in advance, because once the festival begins, everyone will be too busy honoring the Virgin to do any work!
Paucartambo’s festival is also known for the unique masks and costumes used during the dances and parades.There are many different dance troupes that participate, and each one has its own distinct costumes and hand made masks. If you’re looking for an authentic experience, look no farther. This festival is put on by Peruvians, for Peruvians—very few foreign tourists attend. There will be plenty of beer and street food–just ask the local tourists what’s good.
It is also interesting to note that this festival contains a tradition similar to Mexico’s Day of the Dead–tomorrow, citizens of Paucartambo will head to the local cemetery with offerings of food and “chicha” (corn beer). They will visit their relatives as well as former members of their dance troupes.
Paucartambo is just a few hours from Cusco, so if you’re studying Spanish in Cusco you should consider stopping by! The town is on the way to Manu National Park.