More than 140,000 artists, including musicians and dancers, will take part in this year’s Virgen de la Candelaria festival to be held in Puno from February 1-15, informed the Regional Federation of Folklore and Culture of Puno (FFCP)
According to FFCP’s head, Javier Ponce, about 100,000 dancers and some 40,000 musicians are expected to perform trhis year as a result of the Candelaria Festivity recognition as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
In statements to Andina news agency, Ponce said the Virgen de la Candelaria has been jointly organized by regional and municipal authorities, as well as by artistic associations and organizations based in Puno.
“We all have financially contributed to this work. Our institution is 50 years old,” he stated.
An approximate total of S/.2 million (about US$665,778) has been earmarked for costs related to the organization. The expense was shared by FFCP, and the municipal and regional governments of Puno.
Ponce estimates that 300,000 domestic and international tourists will visit Puno to attend this traditional and religious celebration.
The Festivity includes activities of religious, festive and cultural character that draw on Catholic traditions and symbolic elements of the Andean worldview.
The festival includes two contests that attract numerous groups gathering several thousand dancers and musicians from across the region.
Regional federations of practitioners cooperate to organize the festivity and preserve the traditional knowledge and skills associated with dance, music and mask-making.
The festivity closes with a ceremony for the Virgin, a parade and farewell masses.
(END) LIT/MAO/RMB
Published: 1/23/2015