The Festival of the Virgen de la Candelaria is a celebration that lasts for a period of 18 days, beginning in February. It brings the whole community together and there is certainly no lack of energy throughout the proceedings. Musicians and dancers make an appearance with brightly decorated clothing and the church is decorated with a fireworks display to accompany all that is going on.
This festival occurs in Puno, the highest town in Peru. Here, a statue of the virgin will be taken through the city with all of the community following in a particular order. The traditions of the festival link back to the harvest seasons during the Pre-Columbian period. The main dance of the festival is known as Diablada, which translates to the dance of the demons. After all of the partying has tired everyone out, they then proceed to the cemeteries where they pay their respects to loved ones who have passed away.