Argentina
Carnivals in Quebrada de Humahuaca
Carnivals in Quebrada de Humahuaca are one of the most famous traditions in the province of Jujuy. These parties are celebrated in February and March.
During Lent -forty days before Holy Week– are celebrated Carnivals in Quebrada de Humahuaca, a festival that has become the most popular in northwestern Argentina, but more specifically in the province of Jujuy and the towns in this area in particular.
It is a must! So if you plan to visit Jujuy between February and March, we recommend that you coordinate everything so that you can coincide with the carnival festivities. Our travel specialists can help you put together your itinerary. In this case, you just have to send a WhatsApp.
BRIEF HISTORY OF THE CARNIVAL OF BROKEN HUMAHUACA
Carnival as celebration reaches American territory in the XV century A.C. by hand of the Spaniards, who already had as part of their traditions and customs. However, they allowed the natives to maintain certain rituals within the celebration.
Currently, the carnivals in Quebrada de Humahuaca combine Spanish customs (such as the use of masks and costumes that maintain equality in the celebration) with rituals linked to the Pachamama. The goal is to honor the deity of Mother Earth.
This can also be understood as a short and adapted version of the Inca festival of Kapaj Inti Rami, which used to take place between December and March and in which people drank, sang, ate and danced to a halt.
To summarize, we can say that the Carnival of the Quebrada de Humahuaca is a mixture of indigenous, Spanish and Creole traditions, but as this place is an obligatory step towards Peru and Bolivia, it has assumed -in a certain way- the music and some characteristics of those countries.
THE CARNESTOLENDA CELEBRATION
The Carnival begins in each community with the unearthing of the devil, which is usually called Coludo or Pujllay and symbolizes the celebration of a mound of stones called Apacheta –represented by a rag doll that was buried at the end of the last carnival-. The repressed desires are released and during the celebration it is allowed to consume alcohol freely since the moral precepts are put aside.
As is typical of this tradition, throughout the carnival there is dance and music performed with native instruments such as erkenchos, anatas, charangos and bombos. The inhabitants who participate in this event dress in colorful costumes, making use of bells and masks to disguise themselves.
Another custom is to soak your face with flour, talcum powder and streamers while basil branches are distributed.
The Quebrada de Humahuaca Carnival lasts eight days. With the sun the comparsas function as invitations, the participants dance carnavalitos through the streets and, at nightfall, they dance in the premises.
After 8 days of celebrations, the carnival closes with the burial of the devil. The activity is carried out with offerings of alcoholic beverages, cigarettes and coca leaves, saying goodbye until the following year.
The largest and most multitudinous festivities take place in the city of Humahuaca, the most important in the Quebrada. Learn more about this wonderful destination and all that it offers by clicking on the link.
Carnival in Humahuaca are some of the most important festivals of Argentina and you have to live them. So if you are thinking of traveling to Jujuy between February and March, do not hesitate to coincide with this celebration. For advice and reservations contact our travel specialists. It will be a pleasure to contribute on your experience!
