Cusco: Procession of Joseph the Carpenter

Once again I got lucky. On my way home from an incredible, free, "thank you" meal at a steakhouse (provided by my bosses at Loki for our work over the holidays), our taxi got stuck in the middle of another procession. This one, for Joseph the Carpenter, was far bigger than the last one I chanced upon. 

           Block after block was filled with parades of costumed dancers, large bamboo frames of fireworks, and spectators drinking and eating at stall set up along the parade route. I dashed in with my camera to catch a few shots, but with the festivities lasting well into the night, I can only claim to have gotten a fraction on film. 

The crowd follows the procession up the steep hill, right outside my home and workplace, Loki Hostel.

                 I always marvel at how incredible how ancient Pagan culture in South America has seeped into solemn Catholic traditions.   Once again I got lucky. On my way home from an incredible, free, "thank you" meal at a steakhouse (provided by my bosses at Loki for our work over the holidays), our taxi got stuck in the middle of another procession. This one, for Joseph the Carpenter, was far bigger than the last one I chanced upon. 

           Block after block was filled with parades of costumed dancers, large bamboo frames of fireworks, and spectators drinking and eating at stall set up along the parade route. I dashed in with my camera to catch a few shots, but with the festivities lasting well into the night, I can only claim to have gotten a fraction on film, but please enjoy!

A dancer takes a break with his girl as they make their way up the hill.

Three dancers in bright costumes.

I gotta say I love the costumes, so many colors and so creative!

Girls representing Amazonian culture dance by me in their bright, feathered, costumes.

Jaguars, Eagles, and dancing Amazonian women oh my!

A man dressed as a Jaguar god takes a quick breather as the mask quickly heats up from his dancing.

The leader of the Amazonians controlling her group with a loud whistle and arm signals.

A dancer looks around for his phantom enemies. The dances are very dramatic, usually with the men acting out battle movements as part of it.

The street is clogged with dancers!

Eagle dancers.

I took this picture then I realized I was standing in the middle of a fireworks display... Oops.

The dancers twist and turn in the street, occasionally leaping in the air!

The parade stops in front of Jesus, but the dancing and festivities continue.

The large wooden statue of Jesus carrying the cross, which had to be lugged up some truly brutal stairs.

Incense burning at the foot of the statue of Jesus.

The beautiful costumes contain plenty of gold trimming and small mirrors sewn into the fabric.

A couple of dancers sit down at the end of the route to share a beer.

A woman looks on from her balcony above the celebration.

A church square along the route appears to have been the epicenter.