The first day of celebration ends with the traditional ceremony of dawn, which is the ritual serenade to the Virgen del Carmen at the door of the temple and performed by the dancers in civilian dress, without masks or costumes, who dance and sing until dawn breaks.

The first religious act for the central day is the Mass of Dawn and the Festivity Mass where the "Qhapaq qolla" and "Qhapac negro" quadrilles sing their canticles with fervent religious faith.

The first Virgen del Carmen procession takes place in the afternoon with the accompaniment of all the dancers performing their dances and songs .

On July 17th, the "guerrilla' is held, the celebration continues and in the morning hours masses are held in honor of the Virgin. The dancing continues until it is time to visit the cemetery where they remember those who have passed away and, in front of their graves, dance and drink toasting with them.

The celebration farewell is held with the "Kacharpari". In the morning, the "watatiyaykuy" mass is held which ends with the priest's blessings to those assisting. Parishioners start to say good-bye and in the hours of the afternoon the Virgen del Carmen starts out to the temple's baptistery to render cult to the "hoqarikuy"; a ceremony in which the priest, at the foot of the Virgin, blesses the children and young people who are in company of their godparents. At length, the town receives a last blessing from the Virgin at the door of the temple.

Fisrt page The Virgin´s Entrance