Carnival of the Quebrada
Carnaval · Humahuaca, Argentine
The festival
In the Quebrada de Humahuaca, an Argentine North-West Andean valley classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Carnival is an Andean ritual as well as a celebration. The 2027 calendar opens with the Jueves de Compadres (28 January) and the Jueves de Comadres (4 February), before the Carnival Grande, from 6 to 8 February: in Uquía, the "Bajada de los Diablos" sees the masked devils marching down the hill after the desenterro, the burial of Pujlllay, the devil of the Carnival remained underground all year round.
Farine and talc fly, the basil passes from hand to hand, the chicha flows, and the compass sings coplas to the sound of the erkenchos. The Martes de Chaya (February 9) thanks the Pachama, then the Chico Carnival closes the party until Sunday, February 14, when the devil is buried until next year.
Good to know
The dig of Pujlllay (desenterro) opened the Carnival Grande on 6 February 2027 in Uquía.