Peru Events and Festivals

2/01/2008 - 2/29/2008Carnival

Carnivals (Carnavales) are widespread throughout Peru in the weeks before Easter. In the capital, Lima, carnival is celebrated with street parties, concerts and the gleeful throwing of water-filled balloons at friends and unsuspecting passers-by. In Andean towns, carnival is a notably festive occasion, in contrast to the more solemn traditions more usual in the highlands. The ritual of "yunza" (called "umisha" in the eastern jungle, and "cortamonte" on the coast) is widespread. A specially-transplanted tree is bedecked with gifts, and guests dance around it before it is ceremoniously felled. The couple who strike the final blow of the axe to bring down the tree are given the honour of organising next year's celebrations. Besides this ritual there are parades in fancy dress and masks, feasting, music and dancing. Water is thrown in most places, so watch out for a sudden soaking!