The capital of Peruvian folklore is celebrating The Festival de la Virgen de La Candelaria 2024. This is how the long-awaited return of the festival in honor of the Virgen de la Candelaria is experienced in Puno.
The best of Andean music, tradition and culture merge for the stellar return of one of Peru’s greatest festivities, the Virgen de la Candelaria. After four long years of pause due to the Covid-19 pandemic and social conflicts, Puno shines again, becoming the main tourist destination of the season thanks to the traditional celebration that brings together millions, including locals and tourists, to live the Andean festival of the year.
Dare to get into the festive spirit with everything that the capital of Peruvian folklore has to offer during these festive weeks.
How to get to Puno from Lima?
Puno is located in the south of Peru. It borders Bolivia and the departments of Madre de Dios, Tacna, Cusco, Arequipa and Moquegua. To get there from the Peruvian capital there are three common routes: by interprovincial bus, car on the road and plane.
If you want to travel by bus, you can do so from the Terminal Terrestre Plaza Norte, Terminal La Victoria and Terminal Atocongo.
The tickets range between 120 and 210 soles and last approximately 21 hours. If you opt for a plane trip, the airlines Latam, Sky and Viva Air offer tickets ranging between $90 and $190 from the Jorge Chávez airport to the Inca Manco Capac airport in the city of Juliaca.
The trip lasts approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes. From there, you can go by bus or private car to the City of Puno, it will take approximately one hour.
Where to stay in Puno?
Once in the famous City of Puno, there is a wide range of accommodation (hotels and lodging houses) that you can find through Booking and Airbnb that you can book now, recommended in this season since the city fills with tourists by the festival.
If you are looking for accommodation in the heart of the city (near the Plaza Mayor) so as not to miss the Virgen de la Candelaria festival, you will find affordable options that range between 60 and 140 soles per night. If you want greater comfort and exclusivity, prices range between 140 and 300 soles per night.
Itinerary of the Festival of the Virgin of Candelaria
The festival began on January 19 and will last until February 15. In the days that have already been celebrated, the streets were filled with color and music through the parade and parade for the anniversary of the Regional Federation of Folklore and Culture, masses in tribute to the Virgin of Candelaria and a catwalk of costumes. devilish and dark in the Plaza Mayor. Here is the general program of activities for the following days:
January 25: Presentation of musical groups and dance troupes. Place: Plaza Mayor. Time: 4 p.m.
January 26: Election and coronation of the Queen of Folklore 2024. Place: Coliseo Cerrado Eduardo Rodríguez Ponce de León.
January 24 to February 1: Novena Masses in homage to the Virgin of Candelaria. Place: Virgen de la Candelaria Sanctuary.
February 1: Entry of Cavalry and Kapus. Place of Concentration: Aro Deustua. Starting time: 9 a.m. | Solemn Eve to the Virgin of Candelaria. Place: Atrium of the Minor Cathedral Basilica.
February 2: Solemn Mass of the Festival of the Virgin of Candelaria. Place: Atrium of the Minor Cathedral Basilica. Time: 10 a.m. | Procession of the sacred image of the Virgin of Candelaria. Route: Atrium of the Cathedral, Jr. Puno, Jr. Tacna, Av. La Torre, Jr. Pardo, Jr. Independencia, Jr. Lima, Front of the San Juan Bautista Parish. Start time: 2 p.m.
February 3 to 8: Octave Novena Masses in homage to the Virgin of Candelaria. Place: Virgen de la Candelaria Sanctuary.
February 3: First day of the Native Dance Competition. Place: UNA Puno Monumental Stadium. Time: 8 a.m.
February 4: Second day of the Native Dance Contest. Place: UNA Puno Monumental Stadium. Time: 8 a.m.
February 5: Collective watercolor painting of 20 m Danzas de Candelaria. Location: Manuel Pino Park. Time: 10 a.m.
February 7 to 9: Candelaria Gastronomic Festival 2024. Location: José Carlos Mariátegui Park and Parque de las Aguas (Culture Park). Time: 9 a.m.
February 8: Grand Final of the Andean Freestyle Tournament 2024. Place: Plaza Mayor. Time: 12 p.m. | Sikuris concert. Place: Municipal Theater of Puno. Time: 6:30 p.m.
February 9: Solemn Octave Mass to the Virgin of Candelaria. Place: Atrium of the Virgen de la Candelaria Sanctuary. Time: 10 a.m. (procession starting at 12 p.m.) | International Meeting of Sikuris and Phusiris. Place: Plaza Mayor. Time: 10 a.m.
February 11: Danzas Mestizas lighting costume contest. Location: UNA Puno Stadium. Time: 7 a.m.
February 12: First day of parade and veneration of dances in costumes of lights. Location: Main arteries of the city. Time: 8 a.m.
February 13: Second day ofe parade and veneration of dances in costumes of lights. Location: Main arteries of the city. Time: 8 a.m.
February 14 to 17: Farewell masses for Cacharparis groups. Place: Virgen de la Candelaria Sanctuary. Time: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
February 15: Bronze Concert (bands) “Vientos del Altiplano”. Place: Plaza Mayor. Time: 10 a.m.