13:59 | Cajamarca (Cajamarca region), Mar. 5.
Cajamarca Carnival is perhaps the most famous of all carnivals in Peru, due to its overjoyed and organized celebration, thus making Cajamarca city the "Capital of Peruvian Carnival."
Patrols and
troupes from various neighborhoods sing and wear colorful costumes as they dance across the streets.
Cajamarca's most traditional neighborhoods —organized into patrols and troupes mainly made up of youth— include Cumbe Mayo, San Sebastian, San Pedro, La Merced, Dos de Mayo, Santa Elena, San Jose, and Pueblo Nuevo.
In addition to parades, dances, and coplas (popular poetic forms), the traditional celebration includes water balloon fights and plenty of traditional food.
This year, the Ño Carnavalon or King Momo —the main attraction of the carnival— made its appearance on March 2, marking the beginning of main celebrations. His presence stirred up excitement among locals and tourists.
King Momo is considered the king of Carnivals in numerous Latin American festivities. His appearance signifies the beginning of the Carnival season.
Every year, the mythical character tours the streets of Cajamarca city onboard a float —decorated with flowers, balloons, and streamers— en route to Los Baños del Inca district, his resting place.
People usually throw water, dyes and talcum powder upon one another as the Ño Carnavalon dances to the rhythm of the region's traditional music.
Other popular activities include a beauty pageant, umsha rituals —in which couples are given turns to try to cut down a specially planted and decorated tree while dancing around it— as well as the Ño Carnavalon's funeral and burial.
(END) LZD/MAO/RMB/MVB
Published: 3/5/2019