Carnivals are all over the world and of all colors … The Andes could not be the exception. After the Spanish conquest, not only Catholic traditions were transmitted but also some pagan ones such as summer carnivals, which when arrived in South America adapted to the seasons, but did not lose their essence: The celebration of his majesty “King Momo”, for this on February 22nd begins the summer carnivals in the Andes.
Here in the Peruvian Andes there are two cities where important and picturesque carnivals are celebrated, we refer to Cajamarca and Ayacucho. Both town party’s have much in common, such as the parades and the main character King Momo or Ño Carnavalón, which we offer all kinds of food and drinks, in addition to wearing colorful clothes and walking around the city.
Although both festivities are similar, the difference is basically the folklore expressed in the holiday weeks and the cuisine that accompanies and welcomes the visitors and their visitors alike. Cajamarca is a fertile valley in the northern highlands and Ayacucho is an important city that achieved great development during the viceroyalty.
It is very particular how this party was mixed with the Andean worldview, more specifically with Aymara, where rituals such as weeding and harvesting of natural products, such as maca, quinoa, kiwicha and other Superfoods; It is part of the celebration; Not to mention that Ño Carnavalón represents relatives who are not in life.
For all the aforementioned Andean Natural joins the party, it is the way we feel and value ourselves as people of the Andes, while we invite people who read us to be part of this celebration. Thank you for all ways being part of our tradition and culture.
