Takanakuy
December 25, Thursday
Cusco
Origin and meaning
The name “Takanakuy” comes from the Quechua language and means “to hit each other” or “to strike one another.” The custom dates back to pre-Columbian times and was associated with ideas of justice and restoring harmony in the community.
The meaning of the festival:
* to resolve old disputes and grievances
* to restore honor and justice
* to start the new year without conflicts
* to strengthen community unity
When and where it is celebrated
The festival is held every year:
* December 25
Main place of celebration:
* villages and towns of the Chumbivilcas province in the Cusco region, especially Santo Tomas
How the festival takes place
The central part of Takanakuy is fights between people who have personal disputes. The bouts follow established rules and are supervised by referees.
Main elements:
* participants enter the fight voluntarily
* only fist blows are allowed
* weapons and group fights are forbidden
* after the fight, opponents hug as a sign of reconciliation
* everything is accompanied by music and dances
Who can participate
Different members of the community can take part in the fights:
* men and women
* teenagers and adults
* sometimes even children under strict adult supervision
Participation is considered a matter of honor and a way to openly resolve a conflict.
Costumes and atmosphere
Participants often wear bright and symbolic costumes:
* masks and hats
* traditional Andean clothing
* elements resembling Spanish colonizers or mythical characters
The festival resembles a carnival with music, dancing, alcohol, and street celebrations.
Safety and rules
Although the fights look tough, there are strict rules:
* referees are present
* the fight is stopped in case of serious danger
* hitting a fallen opponent is forbidden
* the goal is not victory, but reconciliation
Takanakuy today
Nowadays, Takanakuy:
* remains an important part of the region’s cultural heritage
* attracts tourists and researchers
* is supported by local authorities as a tradition
* sometimes causes controversy because of its brutality
Nevertheless, for local residents it is a way to preserve identity and justice in the community.
Significance for the culture of Peru
Takanakuy shows:
* how ancient traditions live in modern society
* the value of open conflict resolution
* the special role of the community in the life of Andean peoples
This festival remains one of the most distinctive and unusual customs of Peru.
Takanakuy in other years
- 2021 December 25, Saturday
- 2022 December 25, Sunday
- 2023 December 25, Monday
- 2024 December 25, Wednesday
- 2026 December 25, Friday