- The 5 traditional customs and festivities of Ica
- 1- International Harvest Festival
- 2- Lord of Luren's Day
- 3- Virgin of Yauca
- 4- National day of pisco sour
- 5- Dance of pallas
- References
Among the main customs and traditions of Ica, the International Harvest Festival, the Lord of Luren's day and the national day of Pisco Sour stand out.
Ica is a city belonging to Peru and was founded in 1563 under the name of Villa de Valverde.
This city, located on the banks of the Ica River, is known for its great wealth in minerals, for the great fertility of its lands and for its agro-exports.
There is a diversity of crops such as tomatoes, onions, date palms, artichokes, mandarins and many more, although the most significant is the cultivation of grapes. In fact, a festival dedicated to the grape harvest is held here.
The 5 traditional customs and festivities of Ica
1- International Harvest Festival
This festival lasts for more than a week and is held approximately between March 8 and 18.
After the bunches are collected, sumptuous lunches are organized on the estates with a wide variety of wines.
In the city of Ica many activities and dances take place. The most significant are the cockfights, the horse parade and the parade of young people who come from many countries.
The peculiarity of this festival is that the funds raised are donated for charity.
2- Lord of Luren's Day
Every year the day of the patron of Ica is celebrated. On the third Monday of every October, homage is paid to the Lord of Luren since the city was founded.
That day the streets of the city are adorned with many flowers, especially those where the image makes its way.
This procession is followed by thousands of faithful able to endure the 17 hours that the tour lasts.
3- Virgin of Yauca
At the beginning of the 18th century, the inhabitants of Yauca (near Ica) found an image of the Virgin of the Rosary abandoned among some bushes.
The locals tried to lift it without success. To pay homage to her presence, they built a chapel near her. The image of the Virgin only moved after a prayer from the founder of the chapel.
Those present were stunned by the situation, causing the story to spread throughout the area.
Since then, every first Sunday in October, homage is paid to the Virgin of Yauca, whom they made their patron.
A week before the appointed day, the traditional sweeping takes place. This debris consists of cleaning the surroundings of the chapel. This sweep is carried out by devoted volunteers.
4- National day of pisco sour
Pisco sour is a drink made with lemon juice and pisco. One of the products with which pisco is made has its origin in this area: the pisco grape.
Every first Saturday of February, a tribute is celebrated to this grape brandy considered a spiritual drink.
To liven up this festivity, barman contests are held to make the best pisco cocktail.
5- Dance of pallas
On special dates such as Christmas and the Feast of the Kings, the women of Ica gather with their colorful regional costumes.
Pallas (maidens) demonstrate their dancing skills and tap their heels, some even carry guitars or lilies. This typical dance can be seen throughout the Ica region.
References
- Anonymous. (2015). Customs and festivals of our city of Ica. 2017, The customs of my land Website: My land and its customs
- 2. Skyscrapercity. (2009). Provinces, Customs, Tradition and Culture. 2017, by Skyscrapercity Website: skyscrapercity.com
- 3. Wikipedia. (2013). Ica department. 2017, from Wikipedia Website: Wikipedia-Ica Department
- 4. Wikipedia. (2009). Ica - Peru. 2017, from Wikipedia Website: Wikipedia: Ica - Peru
- 5. Marivy García. (2013). Customs and traditional festivals. 2017, from SlideShare Website: Customs and festivals of Ica