Fiesta de La Tirana

The Fiesta de la Tirana is a vibrant annual festival held every July 16 in La Tirana, a small village in Chile's Tarapacá Region. This lively celebration honors the Virgen del Carmen and is considered the most significant religious event in the area, attracting between 200,000 to 250,000 visitors each year, despite La Tirana's usual population of just around 1,200.

Dance is at the heart of the Fiesta de la Tirana. Dance troupes and pilgrims perform in front of the Virgin, showcasing their devotion through intricate and energetic routines. The festivities commence on July 10 with the opening of the sanctuary doors. From July 11 to 14, various dance groups make their way into the village. Each group has a designated time slot for their entrance and exit, ensuring a continuous flow of performances.

The dancers typically begin their journey in a plaza at the town's entrance, performing in front of the Cruz del Calvario (Calvary Cross). Here, they are greeted and blessed by a priest, marking the start of their participation in this grand celebration.