The Visit of the Wise Men

Location: Ollantaytambo
Date: January 06

This is a ceremony in the Andean villages dating back to the pre-Hispanic era to commemorate the assumption of power by the highest authority, or Varayoc, who receives a scepter from his predecessor symbolizing power. The scepters, made of native wood species such as tucuma, black hualtaco (tagetes minuta), huallacán or quince, measure approximately one meter in length and have silver and gold inlays.

This religious festivity coincides with the taking of power of the Varayoc whose authority is given to his successor with a silver-tipped staff as a symbol. There is a procession in which two images, The Christ Child and San Isidro the farmer are walked around the city. A bullfight takes place in the afternoon.