Qhapaq Qolla, Llamero Milenario - Paucartambo [Documental]

Every year, from July 15th to 18th, the province of Paucartambo, in the department of Cusco, celebrates the Feast of the Virgin of Carmen. During this festival, fervent, joyful, and jovial figures dance, sing, and pray with devotion to Mamacha Carmen (Mother Carmen). Among them are the Qhapaq Qollas, peculiar characters who, according to legend, are nomadic beings: half man, half llama. Their origin is lost in the mists of time; however, it is said that they come from the high Andean plains, when Andean people made the llama the cornerstone of civilization, a system that continues to be an important part of trade and life in the Andes. The Qhapaq Qolla is a cheerful and playful character, easily identified by his distinctive attire, which he wears with both pride and reverence. The sound of the cowbells hanging from their backs announces their presence at one of the most representative festivals of mestizo folklore: the festival of the Virgen del Carmen of Paucartambo. There, through dances and songs of profound religious, social, and festive significance, they are the protagonists of a series of events that make this festival colorful, full of faith and tradition. Qhapaq Q'olla, Millennial Llama Herder. Source: Decentralized Directorate of Culture of Cusco | Ministry of Culture