Feast of the Virgen del Carmen in Paucartambo

Festivals in honor of the Virgen del Carmen are celebrated in various regions in Peru on or around July 16. The Feast of the Virgen del Carmen in Paucartambo, however, is one of the most vibrant and significant religious and cultural celebrations in the country. In 2006, the festival was declared a Cultural Heritage of the Nation.

The festival in Paucartambo, located about 110 km (70 miles) northeast of Cusco, honors the Virgen del Carmen, also known as "Mamacha Carmen", the patron saint of mestizos and the protector of travelers. It is celebrated each year from July 15 to 18, with July 16 being the main day of the festivities.

The devotion to the Virgen del Carmen in Paucartambo dates back to colonial times, when the Spaniards brought an image of the Virgin to town or - as legend says, when an image of the Virgen was miraculously discovered - and worshipped. 

As so often in Peru over time indigenous beliefs, traditions and customs merged with partly forced Christian faith and veneration of saints resulting in a spectacular and colorful celebration for the Virgen del Carmen. Today, the Feast of the Virgen del Carmen in Paucartambo therefore isn't just a religious celebration, it's an expression of Peruvian identity combing faith, history, customs, music, costumes and dances of the indigenous people, Spanish conquerors, and African slaves brought to the country.

The Feast of the Virgen del Carmen in Paucartambo kicks of on July 15 with pilgrims and dancers arriving in town and filling it with music and colorful processions. In the evening prayers are held in the church and a fire, the Qonoy, is lit.

July 16, the main day of the celebrations, starts in the morning with the Fiesta Mass in honor of the Virgen del Carmen, which includes songs based on traditional Andean and African music. As soon as the mass is over, the celebrations begin. The image of the Virgen del Carmen is carried through town in a spectacular procession accompanied by music and dancers in colorful costumes representing mythical and historical figures, who perform traditional folk dances.

On July 17, the festivities continue. The Virgin is blessed and another procession through town takes place, where devotees show their gratitude and devotion.A highlight of this day surely is the symbolic battle between angels and demons, the so-called Warachikuy, which ends in nice celebrations.

On the last day of the festival, the Virgen del Carmen is once more carried through town in a final procession before returning to the church. Devotees then visit the cemetery honoring deceased loved ones. The festivals end with more celebrations, music, dances and fireworks.