EXHIBITION HALL 1

The Festival of the Virgin of Carmen of Paucartambo is a mestizo Andean-Catholic and folkloric celebration held annually in this city between July 15 and 18 in honor of the Virgin of Carmen, also known as Mamacha Carmen. The celebration dates back to the 17th century, when the Spanish Crown sent the image of the Virgin of Carmen to the city of Paucartambo.

Today, 19 groups of dancers participate in the festival, in a spectacle where the different groups compete to “take” the Virgin. They interact with historical and mythical characters. The dancers, with their masks and costumes, are the heart of the festivity, which combines religious devotion with historical and mythical representations of the region, expressing Andean identity, history, and worldview.

Eco. Claudio Rama

Qhapac Ch’unchu

The Qhapaq Ch’unchu represent the warriors of the Qosñipata (Kosñipata) jungle, the Amazonian area connected to Paucartambo. Their name comes from qhapaq, meaning noble or powerful, and ch’unchu, referring to the inhabitants of the jungle; in other words, they are the “noble warriors of the jungle.”

Within the narrative of the festival, they symbolize that the Virgin is protected by the jungle, integrating Catholic faith with the Andean world. They are considered the guardians of Mamacha Carmen, and it is said that she trusts them. For this reason, they accompany the Virgin in almost every ritual act as her permanent ceremonial guard, protecting her at all times.

On the night of the 17th, they participate in the “guerrilla,” where they confront the Qhapaq Qolla, who attempt to take the Virgin away from Paucartambo. This confrontation is not a real fight, but a symbolic representation of the historical relationships between Andean regions. The battle ends with the Virgin remaining in Paucartambo, reinforcing the identity of the town.

Their attire includes colorful feather headdresses, metal mesh masks, chonta spears, and a tunic (unku). These elements symbolize noble jungle warriors and reinforce their role as ritual protectors of the Virgin.

Qhapac Qolla

The Qhapaq Qolla represent the merchants and herders of the highlands, especially from the region of Puno and the Qollasuyo. Their name comes from qhapaq, meaning powerful, rich, or noble, and qolla, referring to the inhabitants of the highlands; in other words, they are the “noble or wealthy inhabitants of the highlands.” In the festival, they appear as prosperous travelers linked to trade and the circulation of wealth.

Within the narrative of the festival, they are the ones who attempt to take the Virgin away. This act does not represent a literal theft, but rather a symbolic way of showing the dispute for the prestige of having the Virgin and the historical competition among Andean regions.

Their attire includes woven masks (waq’ollo), monteras, humps, and thick highland clothing. These elements symbolize travel, trade, and the effort of carrying wealth, reinforcing their identity as powerful merchants and key figures within the festive representation.

Saqra

The Saqra represent mischievous spirits or demons within the Andean world. The word saqra means devil, evil, or mocking being, associated with chaos and temptation. In the festival, they embody disorderly forces that contrast with order and devotion to the Virgin.

Within the narrative of the festival, they attempt to tempt and disturb Mamacha Carmen, but they cannot defeat her. Their presence symbolizes the struggle between good and evil, in which the Virgin ultimately protects the people and maintains balance.

During the celebration, the Saqra appear on rooftops, balconies, and high places, performing acrobatics and agile movements. They do not participate as a direct threat, but rather as figures that generate tension, playfulness, and spectacle within the ritual.

Their attire includes striking masks with exaggerated features, horns, capes, and colorful costumes. These elements reinforce their mischievous and chaotic character, representing negative forces that, although present, are controlled by the power of the Virgin.