The Mamacha Candelaria, as it is known in Puno, is the patron saint of the city of Puno. Fiesta religious customs that are associated with the cult of the Pachamama (earth), Lake Titicaca, the mine and thunder, this event symbolizes purity and fertility, it expresses the hope of the helpless and the faith of the believers.

Fiesta de la Virgen de la Candelaria:
This festival takes place over 18 days, which is staged over 200 types of dances, men, women, children, young and old danced tirelessly to the Virgin Mary in thanks for miracles granted, the whole city is filled with joy, Lake Titicaca is a mute witness to this joy.

February is the month in which this magnificent celebration takes place, considered the greatest patron saint of Peru. National and foreign tourists flock to the sanctuary of the Temple of San Juan, to participate in the joy and faith, the celebration and dances that develop over the first two weeks of February. Dances like pujllay, morenadas, diableries, sikuris, wiphalas, among other dances adorn the city streets with their colorful costumes and beautiful choreography.

This event is considered of great importance and is among the three largest in South America, among which are the Rio Carnival, Brazil and Carnival of Oruro in Bolivia.
This festival highlights the cultural identity of Peruvian folklore and traditional roots, why Puno was named as the capital of Peruvian Folklore.  At this momentous celebration of the Virgen de la Candelaria, has been declared by the National Institute of Culture, Cultural Heritage of the Nation.  The celebration begins on February 2 with a Mass celebrated by Bishop of Puno, after which comes the Virgin in a procession accompanied by policy makers, musicians and dance groups, and the thousands of devotees come from different places.

The Sunday closest to February 2 is performed dance competition, with the participation of delegations coming from all corners of the Puno region, then the competition take to the streets to show the beauty of his choreography, splendor, color and joy of the various dances indigenous to the region.

The diablada is one of the dances performed at this festival, dance spectacular where religion is mixed with popular beliefs, the choreography is of great beauty, strength and virility, this dance is the greatest symbol of the feast of Our Lady of Candlemas, this dance represents the struggle between good and evil. The feast of the Virgen de la Candelaria, the 2010 will start on February 1, but the joy and excitement of being at the top. Approximately 30,000 people have registered to participate in the 140 sets of dances in some of them consists of 500 members.

It is estimated that this year the attendance of tourists lined the 40 thousand, everything is ready for this magnificent festival, so you friend tourists, are cordially invited to enjoy this extraordinary celebration in honor of the Virgen de la Candelaria.

Good Luck!