Virgen de la Candelaria in Puno: Everything you need to know

The Virgen de la Candelaria Festivity is a powerful expression of the deep religious devotion of the people of Puno and symbolizes the blend of Quechua and Aymara traditions in the region.

"Virgen de la Candelaria with faith and devotion, it is demonstrated in February for you, my song," says one of the most well-known caporales dedicated to the ‘Mamita Candelaria.’ Every February, the region of Puno comes alive with color, music, and devotion in celebration of the Virgen de la Candelaria, one of the most important festivities in Peru and all of Latin America

This event, which blends Andean tradition with Catholic faith, was recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2014, cementing Puno's role as capital of Peruvian folklore.

Source: PROMPERÚ

An unforgettable experience

Attending the Candelaria Festivity is like stepping into a world of vibrant dances, stunning costumes, and powerful expressions of faith. During the first days of February, thousands of dancers and musicians from across Peru gather in Puno to honor the city's patron saint.

The festivity begins with a solemn mass, where prayers are offered for protection and divine guidance, ensuring the smooth unfolding of the activities and invoking the blessing of the Virgin.

The following morning, an image of the Virgen de la Candelaria is carried through the city's streets, accompanied by traditional dances and music. The celebration then continues with competitions where more than 200 groups from across the region participate, totaling about 200,000 dancers and musicians.

Source: PROMPERÚ

Celebratio

Here are the key dates of this annual folkloric celebration.

February 2: The central day in honor of the "Mamacha Candelaria" is marked by a heartfelt mass and the solemn procession of the Virgen de la Candelaria.

February 1 and 2: One of the most significant events in honor of the Virgin takes place—the presentation of native dances with traditional costumes. Following this, the regional dance competition featuring typical and native costumes unfolds, with colorful performances parading through the main streets of the city. The image of the Virgin is accompanied by devotees and folkloric groups who participated in the contest, along with bands and parades.

February 6: At 3 p.m., costumed ensembles, accompanied by their musicians, make their way into the city center. Starting at 7 p.m., the eve of the octave of the festivity begins, as dancers parade through the streets in their elegant attire to pay homage to the Virgin.

February 7: The musical bands arrive for the light dance contest, greeted with great enthusiasm in squares and neighborhoods. Starting at 6 p.m., you can enjoy their music and choreographies.

February 8: Starting at 5:00 a.m., the Sanctuary of the Virgen de la Candelaria hosts " the morning masses," with the participation of dancers, bands, and faithful people.

February 9: From 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., the Monumental Stadium of the National University of the Altiplano - UNA Puno hosts the Great Costume Contest. Meanwhile, in the afternoon and evening, some groups continue dancing in the city center.

February 10 and 11: The day begins early with the veneration of the Virgen de la Candelaria in a massive procession spanning over 4 kilometers, where mestizo dancers honor her with their art and devotion.

Although the festivity reaches its peak on these dates, the celebration continues for three more days with zonal parades in the north and south of the city. The event then concludes with the closing ceremony and the awards presentation for the regional Virgen de la Candelaria dance contest.

Source: PROMPERÚ

What you should know

If you want to experience this unique event, we suggest you bring:

- Sunscreen.

- Lip balm.

- Sunglasses.

- Warm clothing.

Legacy

The importance of the Candelaria Festivity goes beyond its religious and celebratory aspects. Its economic impact is also significant, as it generates considerable income for the region, particularly in the hotel, gastronomy, and handicraft sectors.

In this way, the Candelaria celebration becomes a legacy of cultural identity. It reflects centuries of history, where pre-Hispanic traditions and Christian influences merge to create one of the most authentic expressions of Peruvian syncretism.

That is why experiencing the Candelaria Festivity in Puno is a blend of devotion, art, and passion. The music, stunning costumes, and the energy of thousands of dancers make this festival a one-of-a-kind spectacle in the world.