Virgo Carmen de Chincha in Peru (16/07)

Holiday in honor of the Virgin Carmen (Fiesta de la Virgen del Carmen) — holiday in honor of the saint most revered in Peru. In various parts of the Ica Department, especially in the areas of Carmen and Guayave, where Afro-Peruvians mainly live, special festivities are held in honor of Saint Carmen.

It is curious that in Ica the saint is known under the name Peonsita, because of the Negritos and Palitas dances performed by teenagers on this day.

The Virgin Carmen de Chincha is considered the patroness of the mestizos. The main celebrations in her honor are held in the town of Paucartambo, located near Cusco. Two groups of musicians perform in the main square, and at the same time the choir performs songs in the language of the Quechua Indians. And around this action, people dressed in Indian costumes dance folk dances.

Processions can also be observed on the streets of the city, accompanied by many musical ensembles and masked dancers. Processions are directed to cemeteries to pay tribute to the souls of the dead.

Interestingly, in Peru, as in other Latin American countries, many girls are called Carmen.

950