13:11 | San Jeronimo (Apurimac region), Mar. 18.
This year's Carnival of Tupaykanakuy (meeting of families) saw the participation of more than 400,000 people from Apurimac, Ayacucho, Arequipa, Cusco, Iquitos, Ucayali, and Huancavelica regions.
Held last weekend in San Jeronimo district (Apurimac region), the carnival kicked off with a parade that comprised 140 troupes, whose members —dressed in traditional clothing— sang and danced to the rhythm of "huayno."
The Atipanakuy —a competition of dance, music and art— was part of the traditional festivities. Leaders and other members of the troupes faced one another.
The carnival's final celebration or Kacharpary ends with a traditional tree-cutting event called "yunza," where a tree is decorated with presents that people dance around and take turns trying to chop down.
Locals and participants take part of such event by bringing trees native to the area where they live.
During the festivities, single young men attend these rituals to court and flirt with girls.
The carnival includes a culinary festival, where foodies can enjoy traditional dishes such as atajo picante, cuy chactado, chicharron, trigo picante, and stews.
San Jeronimo Mayor Percy Godoy thanked locals and troupe members for their participation, which required months of preparation.
(END) NDP/TMC/RMB/MVB
Published: 3/18/2019