This year's Candelaria parade and veneration ceremony greatly exceeded expectations lasting 21 and a half hours, Regional Federation of Folklore and Culture of Puno Head Yenny Silva informed.
The parade in honor of Puno region's patron kicked off on Monday at 07:00 AM and ran thru Tuesday morning at 04:30 AM.
"The number of Candelaria dancers undoubtedly grew this year, thus extending groups' parade," Silva explained.
The 79 participating comparsas (dancing units) began their colorful parade at La Costanera Avenue, by the shores of Lake Titicaca. The costumed celebrants danced down along Lampa Road, La Torre Avenue and Deza Road until they reached Virgen de la Candelaria Sanctuary.
The number of local and foreign visitors has also spiked since Candelaria Festivity's recognition as Unesco Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2014.
"We do it out of devotion to the [Candelaria] Virgin, and we ask her to bestow many blessings upon us," said Carlos Quispe, a pious dancer.
Performers were joined by thousands of devotees, who expressed their faith dancing and singing, a signature cultural expression of this Andean region.
Thus, Puno continues to celebrate one of the Inca nation's most important cultural manifestations, which runs thru February 12.
(END) JCB/MAO/DHT/MVB