Monday was the big day for the Fiesta of the Virgin of the Candelaria. Although the groups had been dancing all weekend, this was the day that all would be at their best, and everyone went out to watch on the street. The dancers started at 8am and the last group did not finish up until about 11pm. There were about 70 groups in all, from all over Peru. Each had its own band and elaborate crazy costumes. They danced all day through the hot hot heat and on into the cool night air.

I didn´t make it out of the hotel until about 10am, and when I did, I had a hell of a time traversing my way backwards down the parade route for 7 or 8 blocks until I found where my paid seat was. What with the flying jumpkicks, and sharp metal horns, and bystanders spraying foam at anyone that passes, it was a harrowing experience.

Stores and businesses along the parade route set up seats and bleachers outside, and people buy a ticket for a reserved seat. Once you get there, you´re set. We had an excellent view of the celebrations, plus quick access for joining in the dancing or photo ops. People are always walking by selling whatever it is you may need, so theres no need to get up for anything, and the prices are sometimes even bellow what you´d pay at an actual store. Sandwiches, candy, snacks, baked goods, beer, and crappy plastic novelties; not to mention that great chemical foam spray.

We stayed on at the festivities into the night. I couldn´t understand, for some reason, at least where we were, the audience didn´t really seem to be into it as much as I thought they would. I guess I was expecting some sort of a Mardi Gras style atmosphere, but it was quite tranquil, considering the amound of booze being consumed out on the street. As the sun set, and the air got colder, the thing seemed to pick up energy a bit. The dancers seemed to move a little quicker, as the draining sun had set. People got up and started to dance to, if only to stay warm, I know I did. Then when they saw us getting into it, the costumed dancers would grab us and bring us out to join in. I got accosted by a couple guys in bear suits, and at one point I think I inadvertently traded a poster I had got for a blow on a trombone.

By the time the last groups were coming up for the night, everyone joined in behind the band and joined the parade. All in all, it was a pretty great time.

Heres a picture of guys in bear suits, that somehow managed to keep dancing and not get heat stroke. Here´s one cooling off.