Dive into the Colorful Carnival of Cajamarca!

Ever wondered what it feels like to celebrate life with an explosion of colors, music, and joy? Well, look no further than the Carnival of Cajamarca! Taking place 40 days before Ash Wednesday, this is one of the biggest, most vibrant, and eagerly anticipated fiestas in Peru. The exact date may move around, but the fun is always guaranteed.

While you’re partying it up in Peru, you might need a translation app or to stay connected with fellow revelers. That’s where PeruSIM comes in handy. Grab one of our tourist SIM cards to make sure you don’t miss a beat (or a selfie opportunity) during your adventures.

The Carnival Buzz

Celebrated in late February or early March, the Carnival honors “Rey Momo” (also known as Ño Carnavalón), the playful spirit of mockery and sarcasm. Over the years, this fiesta has become a meeting point for locals and tourists alike, fostering a sense of community. It’s a cultural touchstone and a colorful display of Cajamarca’s unique identity.

How Do You Celebrate Cajamarca Style?

Cajamarca’s Carnival is a sensory overload of costumes, music, parades, and street parties. Here’s a taste of what to expect:

Music and Dance: The heart of the celebration! Expect lively tunes and vibrant dances to keep you moving.
Costume Parade: Revel in the creativity as locals showcase their elaborate costumes.
Water and Ink Fights: Prepare to get splashed! No one’s safe from the playful water and dye battles in the streets.

Carnival Traditions You Can’t Miss

Carnival Queen Election: Held the Friday before Carnival Sunday, where the most beautiful young women from each neighborhood compete for the crown.
Coplas Contest: A battle of wits and creativity where individuals and groups showcase their original compositions, judged for their cleverness and humor.
Thursday of Compadres: Held in the San Pedro neighborhood, this event celebrates friendship with ribbon games, dances, and music.
Entrance of Ño Carnavalón: On the Saturday before Ash Wednesday, the festival’s mischievous mascot makes a grand entrance, accompanied by music and singing.
Patrols and Comparsas Contest: A grand parade on Carnival Sunday, where participants compete in various categories to the rhythm of lively music.
Carnival Parade: A float parade that winds through the city on Carnival Monday, filling the streets with color and cheer.
Ño Carnavalón’s Wake and Burial: On Shrove Tuesday, bid farewell to the king of mockery with a solemn wake, followed by a funeral procession on Ash Wednesday, complete with a reading of his humorous will and a final cremation.
Unsha: Dance around a tree decorated with gifts, a ceremony brimming with fun and excitement.

Music to Your Ears

Music is the lifeblood of Cajamarca’s Carnival. Instruments like the guitar, accordion, mandolin, violin, tarola, and trumpet set the festive tone, while Cajamarcan coplas (traditional satirical songs) provide a humorous commentary on everyday life.

A Peek into History

The modern Carnival of Cajamarca began in the 1930s, featuring grand parades with beauty queens as the main attraction. Water games were initially banned, replaced by streamers and sparklers. The 1950s saw some unruly episodes, prompting a reduction in celebration days in the 1960s. However, the 1970s brought a revival under Mayor Adolfo Amorín Bueno, with the Carnival taking on more traditional elements and gaining wider recognition. By 2002, it was declared a national holiday by the Peruvian Congress.

So, ready to jump into the madness and magic of Cajamarca’s Carnival?
Find out more on the official instagram account of the carnival https://www.instagram.com/carnavaldecajamarca/

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