12:30 | Puno (Puno region), Jan. 17.
Locals and authorities in southern Puno region get ready to celebrate the
Virgen de la Candelaria festivity, one of the most magical-religious expressions in Peru, which was inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity back in November 2014.
The festival's main day is February 2 and activities will run until the middle of the same month.
During the celebration, thousands of dancers and musicians fill the streets, dressed in shiny costumes.
According to the Regional Directorate of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Dircetur), Puno expects to welcome more than 60.000 domestic and foreign tourists, who will partake in the Virgen de la Candelaria festivity.
He explained that tourists not only come to observe the festival, but also to join folk dance groups and celebrate the festive joy with locals, who showcase the dance and music of their ancestors.
Finally, Huanca invited visitors to explore the majestic
Lake Titicaca and its beautiful islands of Amantani, Taquile and Los Uros.
Other recommended tourist spots included Sillustani, Pucara and Cutimbo archaeological sites, as well as Lampa and Juli colonial churches.
(END) JCB/MAO/MTS/RMB
Published: 1/17/2020