MIZQUE - THE CITY OF THE FIVE HUNDRED PARASOLS

13-15 SEPTIEMBRE
FESTIVAL: “SEÑOR DE BURGOS”

The province of Misque is situated 171 km. from the city of Cochabamba. On Sept. 13 to 15th they celebrate “Señor de Burgos”, the province’s most important festival also known as “Jatun Fiesta”, which means the great celebration. The nearby indigenous communities of Raqay Pampa as well as the residents of Mizque participate in the celebration.

On the 13 of September the festivities begins with an evening celebration where one can see fireworks, listen to hymns and see the residents of Raqay Pampas with their traditional clothes and musical instruments.

Over the next 3 or 4 days there are bullfights, a traditional activity that is conserved from past centuries. In the town’s main square surrounded by wood trenches, you can see local farmers dressed in sequins and cone shaped hats and brightly colored belts. Some are on horseback and others are on foot and playing drums.

The celebration ends with the “cacharpaya”, where the locals dance in front of the temple with white flags and wipalas, requesting blessings and the miracle of better days.