In the south of Peru, in the Chumbivilcas province, Christmas is celebrated with a colorful ceremony. Entire communities come together in the Andean region near Cusco at an altitude of around 3,600 meters. The locals dress in colorful traditional costumes, dance to traditional music, eat, drink – and fight. You read that right. The highlight of the “Takanakuy” ceremony is the duels that the Peruvians fight among themselves. The physical altercations are intended to resolve any disputes that arose throughout the year.
“Takanakuy” fights are meant to settle scores
“Takanakuy” is a word from the indigenous Quechua language that roughly translates to “hitting each other with your fists.” Over time, according to the Reuters news agency, the fighting has developed into an alternative justice system: rural communities often do not have access to law enforcement authorities to legally resolve their disputes.
That’s why they pay their bills with their fists every year during the public ceremony. In the small communities of Chumbivilca, “this may be better than living side by side with someone toward whom you have negative feelings,” says the “BBC”. The fights are not only intended to resolve conflicts, but also to strengthen bonds in the community and ensure more peace.
Women are also allowed to participate
While some exchange blows over legal disputes, for others it’s about romantic, familial or territorial rivalries. But some also fight purely for sporting reasons, for the sake of a good fight – “or because they are drunk,” writes “Vice“. The celebrations begin early in the morning on December 25th.
Thousands of locals gather, mostly dressed in elaborate costumes, and march together towards the battle arena. The girls braid their hair, put on brocade skirts and hats. Men often put rainbow-colored ski masks over their faces and leather leg protectors over their calves. They sometimes display dead animals on their heads.
Two women in traditional costumes attack each other in the fighting arena.
© Sebastian Castañeda / Picture Alliance
Anyone can take part in the fights. There are no age or gender limits. While the fights used to only occur among men, there are now more and more of them Women take part in the ritual. The remaining residents of the community stand around the arena and cheer on the fighters. Although the clashes at the “Takanakuy” festival look pretty wild, there are still rules.
In fact, the fights are more like martial arts sparring than a bar fight. Only punches and kicks are allowed. The fight ends when one of the fighters bleeds, falls to the ground or can no longer defend himself. A referee keeps an eye on the action and enforces the rules. The fights are usually short and end after one to two minutes.
The grudge should remain behind in the old year and the new year should be welcomed with reconciliation. That’s why every fight – whether men, women or children – ends with a friendly hug.
Sources: “BBC“, “New York Times“, “Reuters“, “Vice“