The people in Cusco celebrate the central day of the festivity of Virgin del Carmen in Paucartambo, the town which is considered the capital of folklore because this region has a great wealth of culture which can be appreciated during the days of celebration with typical dances, songs and lots of traditions.
The venerated celebration in honor of Mamacha del Carmen takes place every year from the 14th to the 19th of July; it begins with the fireworks which marks the official start of this great celebration. The 15 of July is characterized by the 21 camaretazos and the “qonoy” or fire accompanied by fireworks at night in the central square.
Today, Tuesday, is the central day and it all starts around 5:00 am with a Mass known as Aurora and later at 10:00 in the morning is the mass party in which it is highlighted the songs of the Qollas and Qhapac Negros. After midday the Virgin is carried in procession in the town followed by dances, songs and faithful devotees.
The groups of musicians and dancers such as that of the Qhapac Negro, Qhapac Qolla, Contradanza, Danzaq, Negrillos, Qoyacha, Waca Waca, Kachampa, Los panaderos, Saqras, Chujchus, Majeños, Wayra or Doctorcitos, Aucca Chileno, Chunchachas and Paucartampu are the ones who are in charge of highlighting the festivity with their traditional dances full of color and typical costumes.
Furthermore, there is a number of popular rites such as that of the guerrillas and the baptism of the new members of the dances in the cemetery. This celebration ends with the day of the “pitch” where the Virgin is placed on the altar and is worn with her traditional clothing on the 19th.
