Tailor made holidays: Enjoy the Candelaria festival in Peru

Britons planning to book tailor made holidays in Peru should visit the country during the Candelaria festival, it has been claimed

Travel writer Cathy Packe claimed that the two-week festival, which involves dance competitors, processions and traditional music, is an extravaganza which is not to be missed.

Ms Packe noted how the atmosphere of the town changes in the run-up to the annual event as residents wait in anticipation for the festivities to begin.

She wrote on the Independent website: "In the weeks leading up to the festival, the streets of Puno echo with the sounds of musicians practising for the competitions and parades.

"Some play alone or in small groups on street corners; others rehearse in school halls."

The festival is held in the small town of Puno, which is located in the south-eastern corner of the country and is home to the church of St John the Baptist.