The Festivity of the Virgin of Carmen in Paucartambo, is a very important religious holiday, declared a Cultural Heritage in 2006.
Between July 15 and 18, every year tribute is paid to the Patron of Mestizos, also known as “Mamacha Carmen”.
The Paucartambo district is just over a 2-hour drive from the city of Cusco, and is known as the folkloric capital of this region, for its history and miscegenation.
This festivity begins with fireworks, dances and the ringing of bells. Then the troupes begin their dances, to start the bonfire or "Qonoy" where they stage purgatory, flaunting their acrobatics and mischief.
At night the bands of musicians and troupes serenade the Virgin.
The central day, July 16, begins at 5 in the morning with the Aurora Mass, and at 10 in the morning the Fiesta Mass is celebrated where beautiful songs of the Qollas and Qhapac Negros stand out.
At the end of the mass the celebration begins with dances, music and in the afternoon they carry out the procession of the Virgin of Carmen.
The next day, it is the day of the Blessing and the Guerrilla, after mass they go to the cemetery in a pasacalle to visit the deceased dancers. In the afternoon, the second procession begins, and the population heads to the plaza to assist the guerrillas between Qollas and Antis, ending in a party.
On July 18 the Virgin is placed in the temple. In the afternoon the festivities end with the blessing of the Virgin to the people.
