v2.webp){kind=logo}
- Religious procession and patron-saint tribute — The heart of the fiesta is the slow, solemn parade carrying the image of San Antonio through town. It’s devotional and theatrical at once: hymns, incense, elders in traditional dress and younger people throwing flowers or confetti. The contrast between quiet reverence and bursts of pageantry is what makes this moment feel genuinely local and rooted.
- Cabalgata — the equestrian parade — Riders (chagras) decked out in colourful ponchos and ornate saddles ride through the streets showing off horsemanship and traditional gear. Think mounted processions, playful lassoing displays and close-up access to a rural Andean culture you don’t usually see in big-city festivals. Personal favorite — it’s loud, photogenic and full of personality.
- Folkloric
- Religious procession and patron-saint tribute — The heart of the fiesta is the slow, solemn parade carrying the image of San Antonio through town. It’s devotional and theatrical at once: hymns, incense, elders in traditional dress and younger people throwing flowers or confetti. The contrast between quiet reverence and bursts of pageantry is what makes this moment feel genuinely local and rooted.
- Cabalgata — the equestrian parade — Riders (chagras) decked out in colourful ponchos and ornate saddles ride through the streets showing off horsemanship and traditional gear. Think mounted processions, playful lassoing displays and close-up access to a rural Andean culture you don’t usually see in big-city festivals. Personal favorite — it’s loud, photogenic and full of personality.
- Folkloric dances and live bands — Street stages and impromptu circles host sanjuanitos, pasacalles and brass or percussion bands that pull everyone into the rhythm. Dancers in embroidered costumes move to patterns passed down generations. The music is infectious and it’s easy to end up dancing with locals in the square long after dark.
- Food stalls and home-cooked flavors — A maze of stalls sells hearty Andean dishes, freshly fried snacks and sweet treats made from family recipes. It’s the best place to try regional specialties served on the street: cheap, warm and honest. Eating here is as much cultural exchange as it is a meal—locals will happily point out what to try.
- Artisan market and traditional crafts — The fair around the church is full of textiles, carved wood, religious icons and simple silverwork made by nearby communities. Buying directly from makers means you get stories with your purchase. The crafts capture the mix of indigenous and mestizo aesthetics that define the region.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.
Best Backpacking
.jpg)
Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.