Peru's Ministry of Culture has officially declared the Festival of the Virgin of Cochargas part of the country's national cultural heritage.
This Andean celebration is observed in Sapallanga, Huancayo, in the central region of Junin, and blends cultural and religious elements with a long history.
This popular festival, which brings together every year thousands of domestic and foreign tourists showing great devotion to the image, is a Catholic celebration in commemoration of the Virgin Mary.
The Virgin of Cocharcas is a carved figure who is also known as the travelling virgin and an important figure who has performed many miracles.
During the festival, the beautiful carved image is carried proudly up in the air, surrounded by colorful flowers and a procession travels around the streets often accompanied with traditional music, dancing and plenty of colorful costumes.
The event takes place on and around the 8th of September and is considered one of the most important festivities of the district of the Mantaro Valley.
(END) DLG/RMB
Published: 6/4/2014