Every February, the highland town of Chivay in Arequipa bursts into a lively display of tradition and devotion during the Fiesta de la Virgen de la Candelaria. This festival isn’t just an event; it’s a pulse that sweeps through the Colca Valley, calling locals and travelers alike to gather in rhythm, color, and reverence.

Chivay sits roughly 3,600 meters above sea level, surrounded by Andes peaks standing like watchful giants. The air is crisp yet electric with anticipation as dancers, musicians, and residents prepare for days filled with rituals, folkloric dances, and vibrant parades honoring the Virgin of Candelaria. The festival lasts over a week, but the most spectacular days involve traditional dance troupes from nearby communities swirling their way through the central plaza, their costumes flashing as they stomp against cobblestones shaped by centuries of celebration.

The physical journey to Chivay itself offers an adventurous approach to the festival. Whether you arrive from Arequipa city, about a 3.5-hour drive, or trek portions of the Colca Canyon, expect terrain that shifts from arid plains to forested ravines. The town’s altitude can challenge your breathing, urging a slow pace and careful hydration as you acclimate. Once in Chivay, the sensory experience deepens—drums like thunder, the chatter of vendors selling local crafts and foods, and occasional bursts of fireworks that dot the night sky.

For practical planning: the festival’s busiest days tend to draw large crowds, so booking accommodations early is crucial. Footwear choices should balance comfort and durability; cobblestone streets demand solid soles, while fluctuating temperatures require layered clothing. The festival hours are long, often extending from mid-morning into late evening, so maintaining energy through regular water intake and nutritious snacks is important.

The Fiesta de la Virgen de la Candelaria is more than performance; it’s a cultural excavation into the heartbeats of Andean spirituality and resilience. Look beyond the spectacle to witness the expressions of faith threaded with community pride and historical roots stretching back centuries.

In short, attending this festival combines immersive cultural adventure with the practical experience of high-altitude travel. It’s an engagement with a place fiercely itself, where every beat and step of the fiesta insists on respect and presence. Whether you come as a casual traveler or an adventure seeker, the pulse of Chivay’s February festival will invite you to join its dance—energetic, grounding, and unforgettable.