February is one of the most awaited months of the year, since Peruvians celebrate carnivals in almost every corner of the country with dances, parades and culinary delights from each region.
Cajamarca
When it comes to carnival, Cajamarca is the place to be, due to the joy, enthusiasm and kindness of its people, who welcome visitors with open arms, dances, floats and colorful costumes that liven the celebration up.
Festivities start on January 23 with the "Ño Carnavalon," a big head figure that helps you say goodbye to bad vibes.
People throw water, dyes and talcum powder upon one another as the Ño Carnavalon dances to the rhythm of Cajamarca's traditional music.
Ucayali
The jungle also hosts carnivals, as is the case of Eastern Ucayali region, whose people take to the streets from February 8 to 28 with impressive parades and typical dances.
Floats parade through the streets, while travelers and locals dance to the rhythm of folklore. Some of them play with water, paint and talcum powder.
Piura
Piura region's Catacaos district opens its doors to travelers on February 10-28 as part of a colorful party. Tourists and locals have fun throwing water and paint on each other, while the dancers perform traditional moves.
Food lovers are invited to attend gastronomic events and taste typical dishes like ceviche and seco de cabrito.
Ayacucho
Declared part of the country's cultural heritage, the Ayacucho Carnival occupies the city with colors and enthusiasm. Troupes and good music flow through the streets from February 25 to March 1.
Apurimac
Abancay also lights up with colors from February 1 to 28. Several locals take part attempting to turn it into one of the best parties all over the country.
The Andean highland ritual of the "yunza" is an important aspect of this carnival. Those in charge of the festivities artificially plant a tree loaded with gifts and decorations. Guests will try to bring the tree down.
Junin
From January 24 to 28, Tarma hosts the San Sebastian festivity, which initiates the Tarma Carnival. This celebration begins with the entrance of Don Calixto, an important figure during the season.
Huanuco
In February, the city of Huanuco gets decorated in flashy colors to host Tinkuy Carnival, declared cultural heritage of Peru for preserving the historical development of towns like Tambogan and Utao.
Arequipa
Cayma district joins the festivities with Loncco Carnival. The party gets going to the rhythm of huaynos played by local bands and troupes.
Tumbes
The International Carnival of Tumbes is held on February 25-26. It includes several activities like a parade that gathers delegations from Ecuador, Colombia, Panama and Peru.
The event includes the election of the carnival queen, the best float, the best cultural troupe, as well as a cultural evening between foreign and national delegations, a yunza, and a ball.
San Martin
The Rioja Carnival is the most anticipated and expected folk festivity in San Martin. The party kicks off with the entrance of the Ño Carnavalon, filled with color and joy. Afterwards, everyone dances along with quant troupes.
(END) JCR/MAO/RMB/MVB
Published: 2/15/2017