Among all the carnivals held in Peru, the festivity launched every year in Huaraz is probably the only one showing a mix between celebration and religion with the traditional "Encounter of Crosses."
The event will take place in the aforementioned Andean city from February 21 thru March 9.
This carnival displays the cheerful and welcoming nature of Huaraz citizens and Ancash's population in general.
Participants organize themselves in troupes which represent the metropolis' diverse neighborhoods. It should be noted these groups prepare for months —in advance— to show their multicolor costumes to the attendees.
Ño Carnavalon
During this celebration, a mask contest and the presentation of Ño Carvanalon or King Momo take place.
This figure represents fertility, and its full name —in Huaraz— is Jose Domingo Carnavalon.
Delegations are composed of dance and music groups that display their best repertoire in return for applause from the attending crowd.
The religious atmosphere of Huaraz Carnival can be experienced in its entire splendor with the traditional "Encounter of Crosses" to be held at the Main Square on March 5.
In this festivity, four crosses are presented. Two of them denote the rural sphere, whereas the other two represent the urban one.
End of the carnival
The last stage of the carnival begins with the wake of Ño Carnavalon and reading of his will.
The remains of King Momo are then moved to the banks of Quillay River in a parade led by this figure's widows.
(END) LZD/MAO/DTK/MVB