Hello class! Have you ever been to a party where everyone throws water, dances in the streets and wears bright costumes? That’s what Carnaval is like in Cajamarca, Peru, and it’s one of the biggest and most joyful celebrations of the year!
One tradition I learned about, and even got to take part in, is Carnaval! Carnaval is celebrated in many parts of South America, but especially in Cajamarca, Perú. Carnaval usually takes place in late February or early March, right before the season of Lent begins. Lent is an important time of year for those of Catholic faith.
During Carnaval, there are lots of dances, parties, parades, costumes, and water and paint fights. It is a lot of fun, but you also have to be careful. I was lucky enough to celebrate Carnaval with some of the other volunteers in the big city but then also take part in my community’s traditions as a queen in the parade! Something very popular during Carnaval is that each place crowns a queen. As queen, you dance, sing a copla (a poem or a song about your town), and throw candy from a parade float that goes all through the town! I was honored that my town asked me to participate as queen and had so much fun learning the songs and dances they use.
