Virgen de La Candelaria
Puno - February 1 to 14

For 18 days, the highland town of Puno, nestled on the shores of Lake Titicaca, becomes the Folk Capital of the Americas. The festival gathers more than 200 groups of musicians and dancers to celebrate the "Mamacha" Candelaria.

For the first nine days, the mayordomos (those in charge of organizing the festivities), decorate the church and sponsor Masses, banquets and fireworks displays. On the main day, February 2, the virgin is led through the city in a colorful procession comprising of priests, altar boys, the faithful, Christians and pagans carefully maintaining the hierarchy.

At this point the troupes of musicians and dancers take the scene, performing and dancing throughout the city. The "diablada", main dance of the demons, was allegedly dreamed up by a group of miners trapped in a mine who, in their desperation, resigned their soul to the Virgen de la Candelaria.

Carnivals
2nd half of February to -1st week of March

For 18 days, the highland town of Puno, nestled on the shores of Lake Titicaca, becomes the Folk Capital of the Americas. The festival gathers more than 200 groups of musicians and dancers to celebrate the "Mamacha" Candelaria.