La Tirana

Tirana, La

About a week, including July 16

Each July tens of thousands of pilgrims set up camp in the small village of La Tirana, in the Tarapacá region of northern Chile. July 16 is the feast day of the Virgen del Carmen and the highlight of the festival ( see also Our Lady of Carmel). On that day there is a colorful, musical procession of images of the Virgen and Jesus around the village accompanied by more than 100 dance groups in elaborate costumes. Dancers who attend the festival practice traditional Andean dances all year round for the event, and many view their dancing as an act of devotion to the Virgen. During the rest of the time people wander the markets that have sprung up, worship at the chapel that houses the image of the Virgen, and participate in masses and other religious activities organized by the Diocese of Iquique.

CONTACTS:
Embassy of Chile
1732 Massachusetts Ave. N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20036
202-785-1746; fax: 202-887-5579
www.chile-usa.org

SOURCES:
FestWrld: Chile-1998, p. 8
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