The festival of the Virgen del Carmen in Paucartambo is a religious and folk celebration held annually from July 15th to 18th in the province of the same name in the department of Cusco. Festivities commence on July 15th with the explosion of a rocket, answered by cannon shots and bell ringing, followed by dawn music performed by musical bands; then, parades and the “cera apaycuy” take place. The night is marked by the “qonoy” bonfire, where the Q’olqas, Chunchus, and Maqtas enact purgatory with playful antics, races, and acrobatic jumps. At 10 p.m., the Prioste and his band serenade the Virgin with the “punchauniykipi” until dawn on July 16th, the central day of this beautiful festival visited by faithful from across Peru and the world, gathering massive crowds of devotees in honor of Mamacha Carmen.
The central day begins at 5 a.m. on July 16th with the Aurora Mass, followed by the highly anticipated Festival Mass at 10 a.m., featuring beautiful songs by the Qollas and Qhapac Negro. After the Festival Mass, the parades dance through the streets and squares; under the Prioste’s authority, the “bosque” ritual takes place, where Qollas throw dolls and miniature furniture from a balcony. At noon, the “once” meal is distributed at the Prioste’s house among founders, dancers, and musicians of all the parades.
The grand procession of the Virgen del Carmen begins at 3 p.m., with saq’ras waiting on rooftops and balconies for “Mamacha,” playfully hiding and seeking. July 17th is the day of “Blessing and Guerrilla”; after Mass and blessings, the parades proceed in a procession to the cemetery to visit deceased dancers amidst chants and memories. The procession continues to the jail in the afternoon, bringing moments of joy to the inmates. Later in the afternoon, the second procession travels to the Carlos III bridge, where the Virgin imparts her blessings to the four corners. After the procession, the population gathers in the plaza for the traditional “guerrilla” between the “Qollas” and “Antis,” with participation from “Saqras” and “Wakas Wakas,” followed by a “Qhaswa” or widespread festivity.
On July 18th, the Virgin is placed in the temple baptistery, followed by the traditional “ocarikuy” at her feet, involving children and adolescents being blessed by the priest. The celebrations conclude at 4 p.m. with a final blessing from the Virgin to the population.
July 19th is the day of “Entonation,” where Mamacha Carmen is placed on her altar at 11 a.m., changing into her “Chamba” clothing in a special ceremony led by the outgoing and incoming “priostes.” In summary, the festival is opulent, varied, and colorful, showcasing various parades including: Maqtas, Auquachileno, Contradanza, Danzaq, Chunchachas, Chukchu, Kachampa, Majeño, Panadero, Qhapac Negro, Qhapac Chuncho, Qhapac Qolla, Qoyacha, Saqra, Siclla Huayra or Doctorcito, and Waca Waca.
