Virgen de la Candelaria: Puno could lose SGD 111 million if they cancel the festival

Presentation Candlemas Festival 2023The action, scheduled for January 14, was suspended after reports of 17 deaths during demonstrations in Puno.

This decision was announced Puno Regional Federation of Folklore and Culture (FRFCP)which indicates that only the specified activities have been suspended, and the development of the following events of the holiday is still under evaluation.

As of now, the contest and worship parades scheduled for February 12, 13 and 14 are still ongoing. But how much can Puno lose if these celebrations are cancelled?

Peruvian Association of Travel and Travel Agencies (Apavit-Puno) warns that around S$111 million could not be raised if the next Virgen de la Candelaria festival dates are cancelled.

“That would mean the loss of all tourist network because the celebration of Candelaria energizes all sectors. There are expenses for planes, hotels, excursions, the preparation of typical costumes, lighting costumes, dancers’ clothing, transportation and more,” said Raquel Asillo, president of the tourism institution.

Asillo indicated that there are no tourist cancellations for February yet, but he does not rule out that they will begin to occur in the coming days due to protests.

At the moment, Apavit-Puno data shows that 95% of travel package bookings made Travelers foreigners these days.

It is worth noting that the last week of the Candelaria Festival alone sees the region experience the largest influx of tourists spending between S$1,500 and S$2,000 for an average stay of three to four days.