Hundreds of tourists traveled to the cities of Puno and Cajamarca during the first weeks of February. The highland city welcomed all the visitors who came, for the most part, to actively participate in the celebrations as part of the Candlemas Festival in honor of the patron saint of the Puno people. Thus, a mixture of religious devotion, tradition and folklore was recorded. The celebrations in Cajamarca’s Carnival They are marked by city and popular activities to the rhythm of couplets and counterpoint.
Candlemas Festival generated millionaire movement of money
The Virgen de la Candelaria this 2024 summoned thousands of Peruvians who, in the midst of their devotion, reached Fist to honor him. This festival, which is a mixture of religion and tradition, of the Catholic faith and the Andean worldview, After three years of being paralyzed, it came to fruition by filling the highland city with color, music and customs. This way, It brought together 120,000 national tourists from various regions of the country.
The president of the Puno Chamber of Commerce, Francisco Aquise, told La República that the 2024 edition of the Candelaria Festival exceeded all expectations. He specified that around 120,000 national tourists arrived, who reactivated various sectors of the economy like in no previous year. That meant an economic movement estimated at 303 million soles, which benefits the service, tourism and transportation sectors.
Aquise indicated that the arrival of spectators was such that it exceeded the hotel capacity. The owners of private properties, faced with the demand for accommodation, enabled their homes to accommodate families of up to 10 people.
The businessman assured that there are things to improve; but, from the results, it can be seen that everything went well. The tourism sector not only benefited from the arrival of visitors to the city of Puno itself, but to others destinations such as the islands of Lake Titicaca.
The Regional Federation of Folklore and Culture of Puno, Through its president Néstor Hancco, he highlighted the efforts of all the groups that participated during the native dance and light costume competitions. More than 200,000 people, including dancers and musicians, mobilized from different cities in Puno and other regions, as well as other countries.
It is important to emphasize that visitors to Puno during these dates make a significant investment for their stay, which is estimated to be at least five days; given that they participate in various dance activities, not counting the previews and farewells they perform in the groups. This 2024, 134 groups participated in original dances and 85 in light costumes.
“We are grateful to the people of Puno. They have treated us well. It is a fighting region of good people, with history, culture and tradition. Of course, after a year, we return. We have proven that Puno is Peru,” said Leoncio Torres, a member of the Los Pitones de Lima caporales.
Cajamarca Carnival grows year after year and generates more economic resources
The popular Cajamarca’s Carnival This year it generated an economic movement of 57.5 million soles, according to the estimates of the Chamber of Commerce of this city, which represents 15% more than in 2023. The influx of visitors approached 80,000 who, for the most part, arrived to participate in the activities of February 9, 10 and 11.
The president of the Tourism Committee of the Cajamarca Chamber of Commerce, José Rojas Villar, explained that the greatest economic movement was concentrated in the sale of food, drinks and shows. The businessman, who also chairs the Association of Hotels, Restaurants and Related (Now) Cajamarca, explained that this year homes were set up and soccer fields and farms were rented to accommodate visitors.
However, Rojas was also critical and maintained that the message is being sold that in Cajamarca you can do what you want and it should not be that way. “We have to improve the carnival, there are people who come to get drunk, cause vandalism, destroy heritage and we don’t want that kind of tourists in Cajamarca.”
Regarding this, he questioned that, currently, a carnival full of spectacles and debauchery is sold, which is not in line with the identity of the people of Cajamarca and their traditions. Even other authorities pointed out that people only stay between February 9 and 11 and by the time the 12th arrives—the date on which the Great Parade of the Cajamarca Carnival— The number of visitors is very reduced.
The Republic Regions NOW on WhatsApp
Do you want to find out the latest news from Peru? We invite you to subscribe HERE to our official channel La República Regiones, which brings you the latest information about what is happening in every corner of our country. ► https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaEyIF8HgZWgOPDZ9U3U
Source: Larepublica
Alia is a professional author and journalist, working at 247 news agency. She writes on various topics from economy news to general interest pieces, providing readers with relevant and informative content. With years of experience, she brings a unique perspective and in-depth analysis to her work.
