Festival of the Virgin de la Candelaria: 12-02-2008
Travellers visiting Puno in Peru will be in for a treat with the Virgin de la Candelaria festival in February.
Devils dance through the streets of the city to loud music and visitors and locals alike enjoy two weeks of fun and cultural celebrations.
Folklore, history and mining are all very important in this part of Peru which is good news for travellers wishing to experience some of the local culture and entertainment.
Fireworks, religious services, banquets, music and dancing can all be expected and street parties erupt at various points throughout the festival.
The main dance is the diablada which prompts the devils to dance alongside the procession of the Virgin.
Although predominantly Catholic, the festival brings a mixture of Latin American traditions and the procession has a strict order with priests and altar boys leading the way.
The Christians and Pagans follow before anyone whose left can join in and be a part of this memorable occasion.