Peru celebrates La Candelaria cultural festival

Peruvians sing, dance and food to celebrate the appearance of the Lady of Candelaria

Musicians perform for dancers on the shores of Lake Titicaca, as they practice before their presentation for the Virgin of Candelaria celebrations in Puno,

Dancers wait their turn to perform during Virgin of Candelaria celebrations in Puno.

Some competing groups wear shoes made with alpaca skin, collars hung with ears of corn and hats adorned with old coins or the bright-colored feathers of Amazonian birds.

Dancers eat lunch after performing during Virgin of Candelaria celebrations in Puno, Peru.

A dancer reads a newspaper while waiting to perform during Virgin of Candelaria celebrations in Puno.

Dancers take selfies after performing during Virgin of Candelaria celebrations which has been happening every year since the 18th century.

The annual celebration is a rare moment of national focus on an indigenous-dominated village culture in Peru.

Villagers dance on the feast to thank Mother Mary of being cured of disease.