Puno’s Candelaria Festival

Every February, Puno is home to one of the most festive parties in Peru, the Virgen de la Candelaria. Known as the Folk Capital of Peru, Puno lives up to its reputation by celebrating for days. Nestled on the shores of dazzling Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, the festival gathers over 200 groups of musicians and dancers to celebrate.

The history of the festival originates from when the city was under siege by the Túpac Amaru II rebel troops. The town’s people brought out the statue of the Virgin de la Candelaria and began a procession in which they danced, played their zamponas, and lit candles. The demonstration lasted throughout the night until the rebel army left the area. This was viewed as a miracle and now the virgin is regarded as the Patroness of Puno, and the event has been celebrated ever since.

Puno’s virgin was brought from Spain between 1580 and 1590 and was probably made in Seville or Cadiz. The beautiful virgin features a golden crown haloed by sunlight and surrounded by stars.

During the first nine days of the festival, the mayordomos (festival organizers) decorate the church, and prepare for Mass, banquets, and fireworks. During the main day, February 2nd, the virgin is led through the city in a colorful procession followed by a large band and a huge crowd. The streets are decorated with colorful constructions made from colored wood, sawdust, flowers, and plants. It is considered disrespectful to walk on these images as it is reserved for the virgin who blesses each image as she passes over them. As the virgin is carried over each image, flower petals are thrown over the statue.

The Grand Parade occurs on February 9th and the town has a parade which ends at the cities cemetery. The event takes between 4 and 6 hours, depending on the crowd. There is also a dance completion and a variety of other events. The festival finally winds down with a music parade with around 1,500 musicians and dancers. Although the festival may officially end, there are always groups that can be seen and heard in the main streets during the following weekend.

The only way to fully grasp this complex traditional festival is to see it for yourself during a Peru or Bolivia vacation.


This guide to Candelaria Festival in Puno, Peru was written by a Peru travel expert at Peru For Less available to help you custom design your exciting Peru Vacation.