These are photos from my recent trip to Peru. I was extremely fortunate to have been in the Andean town of Ollantaytambo, one of the historic strongholds of the Inca and a cultural capitol of the Quechua people, in time for the annual 'Festival de Senor de Choquekillka'. This extragavagant pageant of masked dances celebrates the miracle of the manifestation of the spirit of 'Choquekillka' who is recognized as the patron saint of the town of Ollantaytambo.
As I understand it, Choquekillka manifested as a crucifix spinning in an eddy of the Vilcanota river near the old Inca suspension bridge at the outskirt of the town and recognized not as a Christian eminence exactly, but rather as a local god of the land and river who protects Ollantaytambo and its people.
Many costumed dances are performed in Senor de Choquekillka's honor over a four day period culminating in the procession to the chapel by the river from which the god originates. I photographed and video'd many of these dances.