Sunday, July 28, 2013

La Tirana Chica

When we went to the desert last weekend to camp, we missed out on the dances that go on for La Tirana and I was pretty bummed. But lo and behold, they do a mini-Tirana celebration in Iquique the weekend afterwards! So I got to see some of the really awesome and crazy dances and costumes that encompass La Tirana.

 This celebration in Iquique is way smaller than the one in the actual town, but it still took over at least 6 blocks of the city. On every street surrounding a plaza there was a different dance with their own music. It usually consisted of a large group of dancers in similar costumes - and of all ages - and one or a couple dancers in a different costume. From what I understand, the person in the different costume is supposed to represent the devil distracting the other dancers. At the end of every street are two statues or alters of the Virgin and Jesus with flowers and candles all around. There are drummers and sometimes horn players that provide the music. Each different group has their own theme of costumes, rhythm, and dance. It was very cool and I'm glad I got to see it!



Los indios:





Los gitanos




















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