Peru is an ancient land of the Incas, rich in national traditions and colorful holidays. One of them is the day of the Virgin of Carmen de Chincha, in honor of which real celebrations are organized, known all over the world as the street folk music festival “Festival de Virgen del Carmen”.
Every year in mid-July tourists come to Peru to attend one of the most colorful street festivals in the world - the music festival in honor of the Virgin of Carmen de Chincha. It is one of the most revered saints in Peru and is considered the patroness of the mestizo. Therefore, the holiday is held in the city of Paucartambo, located near Cusco, where many Afro-Peruvians live. Folk groups from all over the country come here to celebrate.
The Day of the Virgin of Carmen de Chincha is considered July 16, but the festivities last for three days (from July 16 to July 18). At this time, believers call on their intercessor, thank her for the blessing of the previous year and ask for health and prosperity in the future.
The main celebrations in honor of the saint take place in the main square, where two groups of musicians and a choir performing songs of the Quechua Indians perform. And people dressed in costumes and masks perform folk dances.
These days, the carnival processions “Mamacha del Carmen” are held on the streets with the traditional festival characters “sagra” (demons), “qoyacha” (little queens) and “doctorcitos“(little doctors). Fireworks are thundering, national melodies are playing, and everyone is dancing around.
But the main event on the day of Carmen de Chincha is the commemoration of the dead. Crowded processions rush through the streets to the cemetery to honor the memory of their ancestors.
You can visit the festival in honor of the Virgin of Carmen by buying a tour in Peru or visiting the country yourself. There is no direct flight to Peru, so the flight is usually made from Moscow via Madrid, Amsterdam or Paris. Flights of international airlines land in the capital of Peru - Lima. From there, by another plane, you should get to the ancient capital of the Incas - the city of Cusco, from which you can take a bus to the festival town of Paucartambo.
Additional expenses during the flight to Peru - tax in the amount of 30 USD. (payable before passport control) and $ 6. (for domestic flight).
For Russian tourists, a visa to Peru is not required if the period of stay in the country does not exceed 90 days. But the time of stay in Peru can be extended by contacting the migration service. To do this, you must have a passport valid for 6 months.
