Fiesta de La Tirana is Chile's most celebrated festival, hosted by the town of Tirana, which is nestled in the Pozo Almonte commune, El Tamarugal Province, Tarapacá Region. The tiny town of La Tirana has a population of just over 1,000 people, but on holidays, it receives up to 200,000-250,000 guests, who want to enjoy the authentic atmosphere. People flock to the Church of Tirana in mid-July to witness vibrant festivities honoring the Virgen del Carmen, also known as the Lady of Mount Carmel or "Carmelita."
Fiesta de La Tirana Ritual and Traditions
The greatest highlight of the festival is the ancient ritual dance named "diablada" or the "dance of the devils." Dancers dressed in elaborate costumes and masks move to the rhythmic sounds of flute and drums, which are to cast away the demons. The ancient rite embodies the indigenous traditions of the native peoples, including the Aymara, Kunza, and Atacameño. But today the festival is also popular among Christians and draws a considerable number of Catholic pilgrims, as well as curious tourists craving for new experiences.
Dances on the streets of the town begin in the morning and sometimes last all night. Flu dancers wear bright costumes that match their chosen theme. The orchestra that accompanies them performs traditional music with a lot of wind instruments and drums.
Fiesta de La Tirana History
The history of the festival centers on the Inca princess Ñusta Huillac and her love story. She became famous for executing or enslaving Europeans and Christians who tried to conquer her territory. In this way, she earned the reputation of a "tirana," which translates as "tyrant" in Spanish.
But in the end, the princess fell in love with one of her prisoners, Vasco de Almeida, and converted to Christianity to be able to marry him. However, the entourage of the princess killed both Vasco de Almeida and her, considering such a decision as treason. In the 18th century, a church ("Santuario de Nuestra Señora del Carmen de la Tirana") was built on their burial place. The origin of the festival is also linked to the workers of the Aymara tribe, who worked in copper and silver mines.
Dates of the Festival
Fiesta de La Tirana runs annually for several days in mid-July, namely between July 12 and 17, but culminates with grand festivities and a parade on July 15 and 16.
