Fiesta de la Virgen del Carmen (Paucartambo)

The colonial Andean town of Paucartambo near Cusco erupts into one of Peru's most visually striking religious festivals, with elaborately masked comparsa dance troupes performing in the streets to honor the Virgin of Carmen. The central day features the principal mass and a grand procession through town. (Date shown is estimated from the event's typical annual timing — confirm with the organizer closer to the date.)