There are nineteen dance troupes at the Virgin Del Carmen festival taking place in Paucartambo, each with their own unique masks, costumes and dances. On Monday morning all 19 troupes make their way to the cemetery to pay their respects to past dancers. Many of the tombs had family members sitting at them, waiting for their troupe to come through with lively music and love. Though the visits to the graves are solemn, the event ends with beer and festivities in the cemetery.
The character shown here is called “Waca Waca.” It is said that their dance has its origins in colonial times. Lacking of its own choreography, they perform steps trying to imitate the process of a bullfight. Swipe left to see their footwork.
