Andina

Regional party coming! Virgen de la Candelaria Festival 2025 is announced

It will be held in Puno, besides the highest lake on earth in February

Dancers participating in Virgen de la Candelaria Festival. ANDINA/Difusión

Dancers participating in Virgen de la Candelaria Festival. ANDINA/Difusión

10:14 | Lima, dic. 20.

The authorities of Puno, the city besides the highest lake on earth and also known as the folkloric capital of Peru, announced the activities of the Virgen de la Candelaria Festivity 2025, which will begin on February 1 next year.

The ceremony where the details of the regional party were described, took place recently in the Municipal Theater of this city, featuring dancers in traditional and lighted costumes, marking the start of the February festivities that will fill the region with color and tradition.

The festival program will begin on February 1 and 2 with the contest of traditional dances. On February 9, 10, and 11, the costume contest and the traditional parade honoring La Octava (The Octave, special celebration seven days after February 2) will take place.

During the ceremony, “Candelito” the official mascot of this edition, was introduced. This character symbolizes the cultural and spiritual richness of the festivity, which is recognized nationally and internationally.

The cultural show featured notable performances, including the Diablada by the National Police of Peru (PNP), the Caporales Centralistas of Puno, the Morenadas from various groups, and traditional dances such as the Waca Waca and the Tuntuna. Each performance was accompanied by live music, thrilling the audience.




Puno’s mayor, Javier Ponce, emphasized that this festivity is the most important in Peru, highlighting the unique skill of dance groups in conveying messages and forming symbolic figures in their choreography.

He also announced the participation of over 500 dancers per group in the dances of lights, accompanied by numerous music bands. More than 100 groups will participate in the traditional dance contest, reaffirming their commitment to preserving and sharing Puno’s traditions. These cultural expressions reflect the region’s identity and are a source of pride for its people.

Local authorities highlighted that the Virgen de la Candelaria Festivity has been recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. This title showcases the religious and cultural richness of this celebration to the world.

Thousands of national and international visitors come to Puno annually to experience this unique event. The city is preparing to welcome them, offering the magic of its traditions, devotion, and the warmth of its people.

Puno invites the world to join the 2025 Virgen de la Candelaria Festivity, a celebration that blends faith, culture, and joy into a unique manifestation. This event is expected to boost local, national, and international tourism, contributing to the economic reactivation.

More in Andina:


(END) AAM/ JMP / MDV

Published: 12/20/2024