Takanakuy, Peruvian Fight Club, Chumbivilcas, Andes, Peru

But old grievances are not the only reason people engage in fight during the Takanakuy festival. Some of them just want to prove their courage and fighting skills, while others want to earn the respect of the community, or to make their families proud. Many of the fighters cover their faces with traditional colorful ski masks and hang different stuffed animals on them, to scare opponents. Some fighters leave the bullring with blood flowing from their mouths and noses, but none of them hold a grudge, knowing they’ll have the chance for a rematch the following year.
Takanakuy may appear like a mindless display of violence, but to the people of Chumbivilcas it’s an important part of their cultural heritage . Whatever problems they may have with each other, fighters hug before a fight, exchange a few blows and then put everything behind them and become good friends again. It’s a simple and effective way to get rid of negative energy.