For multi-national nominations, States Parties should be listed in the order on which they have mutually agreed.

Peru

B.      Name of the element

B.1.   Name of the element in English or French
This is the official name of the element that will appear in published material.
Not to exceed 200 characters

Festivity of Virgen de la Candelaria of Puno

B.2.   Name of the element in the language and script of the community concerned,
if applicable
This is the official name of the element in the vernacular language corresponding to the official name in English or French (point B.1).
Not to exceed 200 characters

Festividad de la Virgen de la Candelaria de Puno

B.3.   Other name(s) of the element, if any
In addition to the official name(s) of the element (point B.1) mention alternate name(s), if any, by which the element is known.

Presentación del niño Jesús en el Templo

C.     Name of the communities, groups or, if applicable, individuals concerned

Identify clearly one or several communities, groups or, if applicable, individuals concerned with the nominated element.
Not to exceed 150 words

The communities and groups concerned with the nominated element are the rural and urban populations from the Quechua and Aymara peasant communities of the thirteen provinces in the region of Puno, on the southern highlands of Peru. The organizations that represent these populations and that actively participate in the festivity are:
-         The Catholic Church, represented by de Diocese of Puno.
-        The Regional Federation of Folklore and Culture of Puno, which represents the dance groups participating in the festivity.
-        Federation of Embroidering and Mask-making Artists of the Puno Region, which represents the region's artisans.
-        The Regional Federation of Musical Bands of Puno, which represents the musicians who perform in the festivity.

D.      Geographical location and range of the element

Provide information on the distribution of the element within the territory(ies) of the submitting State(s), indicating if possible the location(s) in which it is centred.
Not to exceed 150 words

The Festivity of Virgen de la Candelaria takes place at the city of Puno, on the shore of Lake Titicaca, being this city the capital of the region. This city is located on the Southern Highlands of Peru in a zone that is known as the high Andean plateau and is inhabited Quechua and Aymara peasant communities. Devotees form all of the thirteen provinces of the region (Azángaro, Carabaya, Chucuito, El Collao, Huancané, Lampa, Melgar, Moho, Puno, San Antonio de Putina, San Román, Sandia and Yunguyo) participate in the festivity. It is also attended by hundreds of devotees from other Peruvian regions and by followers from neighboring countries. Therefore it is considered one of the most important religious festivities of Peru and also among the main Catholic religious observances in the Americas.

E.    Contact person for correspondence

Provide the name, address and other contact information of the person responsible for correspondence concerning the nomination. If an e-mail address cannot be provided, indicate a fax number.
For multi-national nominations provide complete contact information for one person designated by the States Parties as the main contact person for all correspondence relating to the nomination, and for one person in each State Party involved.

1.         Identification and definition of the element

For Criterion R.1, the States shall demonstrate that ‘the element constitutes intangible cultural heritage as defined in Article 2 of the Convention’.

Tick one or more boxes to identify the domain(s) of intangible cultural heritage manifested by the element, which might include one or more of the domains identified in Article 2.2 of the Convention. If you tick ‘others’, specify the domain(s) in brackets.
 oral traditions and expressions, including language as a vehicle of the intangible cultural heritage
 performing arts
 social practices, rituals and festive events
 knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe
 traditional craftsmanship
 other(s) (                                             )

This section should address all the significant features of the element as it exists at present.
The Committee should receive sufficient information to determine:

1. that the element is among the ‘practices, representations, expressions, knowledge, skills — as well as the instruments, objects, artefacts and cultural spaces associated therewith —’;
2. ‘that communities, groups and, in some cases, individuals recognize [it] as part of their cultural heritage’;
3.           that it is being ‘transmitted from generation to generation, [and] is constantly recreated by communities and groups in response to their environment, their interaction with nature and their history’;
4. that it provides communities and groups involved with ‘a sense of identity and continuity’; and
5. that it is not incompatible with ‘existing international human rights instruments as well as with the requirements of mutual respect among communities, groups and individuals, and of sustainable development’.

Overly technical descriptions should be avoided and submitting States should keep in mind that this section must explain the element to readers who have no prior knowledge or direct experience of it. Nomination files need not address in detail the history of the element, or its origin or antiquity.

1. Provide a brief summary description of the element that can introduce it to readers who have never seen or experienced it.

Not fewer than 150 or more than250 words

The Festivity of Virgen de la Candelaria takes place at the city of Puno (southern Peru) during the first two weeks of February, being February the 2nd its central date. It involves several activities of profound religious, festive and cultural character, with significant elements deriving from the combination of Catholic evangelization processes and religious beliefs of Pre-Hispanic origin. Nine days before the central day there is a preparatory period during which several masses are celebrated. Then, during the dawn of February the 1st, a daybreak mass is celebrated, and during the afternoon an ancient ceremony of annunciation is carried out, consisting in the gathering, transport and burning of bushes (qhapos) as a manner of purification.
On the central day of the festivity, a liturgical act takes place throughout the morning and then a religious procession in which the image of the Virgin is carried in a platform along the streets of Puno, and is accompanied at all times with traditional music and dances. During the following days, the Regional Federation of Folklore and Culture of Puno organizes two contests of traditional dances where around 170 groups with approximately a total of 40 000 dancers and musicians from all the region display their best abilities trying to outdo each other.
The festivity ends when the devotees go to worship the Virgin at her sanctuary, and there is a concert of musical bands, groups of panpipe players, and masses of farewell.

1. Who are the bearers and practitioners of the element? Are there any specific roles or categories of persons with special responsibilities for the practice and transmission of the element? If yes, who are they and what are their responsibilities?

Not fewer than 150 or more than250 words

The bearers and practitioners of the element are the rural and urban inhabitants of the Puno Region. They are comprised by two ethnic groups, the Quechua and the Aymara, who preserve their culture by means of their language, worldview, technologies, music and dances. Nowadays, most of the rural inhabitants participate in the festivities on their communities.
The devotees who belong to the Diocese of Puno are also bearers and practitioners who organize the liturgical events. They have a brotherhood that watches over the objects of value that worshipers have donated to the Virgin.
Apart from the aforementioned, there is the Regional Federation of Folklore and Culture of Puno, which represents the dance groups participating in the festivity and has the role of promoting and disseminating the regional variety of aboriginal and mestizo music and dances. This Federation is made up by bearers and practitioners of the traditional dances of the region.
The Federation of Embroidering and Mask-making Artists of the Puno Region, which represents the traditional artisans of the region, are also bearers and practitioners of the element, because the garments they produce are filled with elements of a particular symbology, are made with distinct technologies, all of which expresses a unique worldview. The Federation aims at preserving the traditional ways to produce the garments, as well as to ensure recognition for the artisans who produce them.
The Regional Federation of Musical Bands of Puno, which represents the musicians who perform in the festivity, is also bearer and practitioner of the element.

1. How are the knowledge and skills related to the element transmitted today?

Not fewer than 150 or more than250 words

The Festivity of Virgen de la Candelaria of Puno has three main aspects which are transmitted as follows:
a) The religious devotion, which has increased throughout time to the point of becoming one of the most important religious manifestations of Peru and of the Americas. Religious faith is transmitted and internalized since very early age, due to the custom of attending in family groups to the festivity.
b) Music and dance, as basic expressive forms in the Andean culture by means of which ritual, religion and the affirmation of peoples’ cultural identity are manifested. Prior to the festivity, the dance groups rehearse in every district of the region and in all of the city neighborhoods. These traditional gatherings are an occasion for egalitarian, intercultural and intergeneration community coexistence as values that children, youngsters and adults observe and recreate. Pre-Hispanic musical instruments, together with European ones, are played in the dances performed to celebrate the Virgin.
c) The artisanal confection of garments for the groups of dancers in the festivity is another space in which traditional knowledge, techniques, designs and symbols are preserved and transmitted from generation to generation, as youngsters learn these traditions from their elders in their workshops.

• What social and cultural functions and meanings does the element have today for its community?

Not fewer than 150 or more than250 words

The complexity and richness of the cultural expressions that are encompassed by the festivity of Virgen de la Candelaria have contributed to make it one of the main symbols of regional identity.
The Catholic elements are part of the structure of the festivity, and there exists a relationship with symbolic elements belonging to the Andean worldview. Since its beginnings, the festivity coincides with ritual offerings to “Pachamama”, mother earth for the Andean people, and a symbol of protection and main source of prosperity for the Andean world mentality.
The festivity takes place in the rain season, when the soil is at is highest productive capacity. This relation between the date of the festivity and the productive agriculture and livestock cycle explains the deep connection that the Virgin has with the rural and indigenous populations. These elements heighten the importance of the festivity by attaining diverse symbolic nuances which enriches it.
The performance of so called “autochthonous” dances has become a space of recognition of the communities which take part in the festivity and which present festive dances that identify them.
The festivity also confers a sense of cultural continuity to the population. Many inhabitants of Puno who have migrated to other places return to their communities and to the city to participate in preparatory gatherings or in dance rehearsals.
Some dance groups welcome national and foreign visitors who are interested in experiencing the festivity, transforming these meetings in spaces for intercultural concurrence, without loosing the religious meaning that characterizes it.

• Is there any part of the element that is not compatible with existing international human rights instruments or with the requirement of mutual respect among communities, groups and individuals, or with sustainable development?

Not fewer than 150 or more than250 words

In the Festivity of Virgen de la Candelaria of Puno there is no part or element that is not compatible with existing international human rights instruments or with the requirement of mutual respect among communities, groups and individuals, or with sustainable development.
The Festivity of Virgen de la Candelaria of Puno includes a complex set of cultural and religious activities in which the population participates actively and massively. The inhabitants of Puno demonstrate their faith and cultural identity by organizing themselves to dance, attending the public masses in the Cathedral or in the sanctuary of the Virgin, making floral arrangements, altars and firework castles, or simply witnessing and encouraging the groups that arrive at the city, all of this in a public and open way. The rehearsals of the dancers and meetings to organize the festivity are open and outside communities and neighborhood organizations are often involved in these activities. Burning “qhapos” and offering ceremonies to mother earth that are part of the festivity do not have any restriction of access, nor are they incompatible with human rights.

2.      Contribution to ensuring visibility and awareness and
to encouraging dialogue

For Criterion R.2, the States shall demonstrate that ‘Inscription of the element will contribute to ensuring visibility and awareness of the significance of the intangible cultural heritage and to encouraging dialogue, thus reflecting cultural diversity worldwide and testifying to human creativity’.

• How can inscription of the element on the Representative List contribute to the visibility of the intangible cultural heritage in general and raise awareness of its importance at the local, national and international levels?

Not fewer than 100 or more than 150 words

This inscription can contribute to the visibility of the ICH because, locally, the Festivity of Virgen de la Candelaria of Puno occupies a central position within the regional cultural identity, being also a symbol of pride for the country. It shows how the ICH can become an axis for intercultural interaction in a region comprising a significant variety of Quechua and Aymara communities, and can thus express their particular traits in a harmonious interface.
On the national level, it enhances the importance at present of religious festivities and of the multiplicity of meanings attached to them, many of which have millenary origins.
Internationally, it allows for increased visibility of intangible cultural heritage as a meaningful element in the social life of the populations. Also, it highlights an opportunity to promote creative industries that – respecting local traditions -- can improve the living standards of traditional artists and of the population.    

• How can inscription encourage dialogue among communities, groups and individuals?

Not fewer than 100 or more than 150 words

Inscription can encourage dialogue among communities, groups and individuals because the inscription of Festivity of Virgen de la Candelaria will highlight an example of how an element of intangible cultural heritage represents an opportunity for the population of Puno to celebrate its vast religious devotion and for the display of the big diversity of cultural expressions from their territory. The large number of dance groups from urban areas, as well as those from Quechua and Aymara rural communities that perform during the festivity, attain a space for their appreciation, visibility, and promotion. This characteristic allows for the Festividad de la Virgen de la Candelaria to be an important occasion for cultural exchange, strengthening of faith, socialization, promotion of dialogue and respect among the diverse collectivities that take part in the festivity.

• How can inscription promote respect for cultural diversity and human creativity?

Not fewer than 100 or more than 150 words

Inscription of this element can promote respect for cultural diversity and human creativity because the dance music groups that take part in the Festivity of Virgen de la Candelaria belong to urban and rural collectives, and their main traditions interact and are culturally enriched. A multiplicity of meanings is displayed and appreciated by the audiences as well as by the other music and dance groups, and thus Puno becomes a space of cultural interchange. This festivity motivates the creation of new melodies and choreographies, as well as the variation and innovation of designs in traditional garments and masks. Creativity is also displayed in the making of ephemeral architecture (flower carpets and arches adorning the streets, and cane frameworks for firework displays). The continuity through time of the festive process contributes to maintain its traditionalism and cultural richness.

3.       Safeguarding measures

For Criterion R.3, the States shall demonstrate that ‘safeguarding measures are elaborated that may protect and promote the element’.

3.a.    Past and current efforts to safeguard the element

• How is the viability of the element being ensured by the concerned communities, groups or, if applicable, individuals? What past and current initiatives have they taken in this regard?

Not fewer than 150 or more than 250 words

The Quechua and Aymara communities, together with the urban population of Puno actively take part in the Festivity of Virgen de la Candelaria, by participating in the organization of different activities to honor the Virgin. There are traditions like embellishing the streets where the Virgin is carried in a procession, and building small altars that will be blessed by her. Apart form this, the population attends in big numbers to the liturgical celebrations at the parish of San Juan Bautista in Puno city, which is the Virgin’s sanctuary.
Each year, the community of parishioners of San Juan Bautista and the Diocese of Puno organize the sequence of liturgical events for the Festividad de la Virgen de la Candelaria, which include the celebration of masses, processions, and the designation of coordinators called "alferados”. They also look after the objects of value that the devotees have presented to the Virgin.
The Regional Federation of Folklore and Culture of Puno bring together the dance groups that take part in the festivity. Since year 1965, this federation has organized contests of indigenous and mestizo dances where a large variety of rural communities and urban groups participate    

Tick one or more boxes to identify the safeguarding measures that have been and are currently being taken by the communities, groups or individuals concerned:
 transmission, particularly through formal and non-formal education
 identification, documentation, research
 preservation, protection
 promotion, enhancement
 revitalization

• How have the concerned States Parties safeguarded the element? Specify external or internal constraints, such as limited resources. What are its past and current efforts in this regard?

Not fewer than 150 or more than 250 words

Peru has safeguarded diverse components of the Festivity of Virgen de la Candelaria of Puno by the following actions:
-        On November 5th, 1985, the Congress of Peru issued the Law Nº 24325 that proclaimed the city of Puno as “Capital of Peruvian Folklore”.
-        On year 2003, Peru’s National Institute of Culture declared the Festivity of Virgen de la Candelaria as Cultural Heritage of the Nation by means of National Directorial Resolution Nº 655/INC-2003.
-        The Ministry of Culture of Peru is registering the cultural expressions that form part of the festivity. As a result of this, three dances have been declared Cultural Heritage of the Nation: the “sikuri” (year 2003), the “ayarachi” (year 2004), and the “Carnaval de Santiago de Pupuja” (year 2010).
-        During years 2012 and 2013, the Government of Peru promoted internal tourism to the Festivity of Virgen de la Candelaria by decreeing its two main celebration days as a national holiday.
- Formal recognition of the “Sikuris del Barrio Mañazo” (one of the oldest and more representative dance groups of the Festivity of Virgen de la Candelaria of Puno, with more than 120 years of activity), as “Personalidad Meritoria de la Cultura Peruana” (Praiseworthy Personality of the Peruvian Culture) on August 22, 2012. This is a distinction that Ministry of Culture confers annually to individual and groups whose work in the fields of artistic creation, research or academic production has contributed significantly in the creation, transmission, or safeguarding of Peru’s cultural heritage.

Tick one or more boxes to identify the safeguarding measures that have been and are currently being taken by the State(s) Party(ies) with regard to the element:
 transmission, particularly through formal and non-formal education
 identification, documentation, research
 preservation, protection
 promotion, enhancement
 revitalization

3.b.    Safeguarding measures proposed
This section should identify and describe safeguarding measures that will be implemented, especially those intended to protect and promote the element.

• What measures are proposed to help to ensure that the element’s viability is not jeopardized in the future, especially as an unintended result of inscription and the resulting visibility and public attention?

Notfewer than 500 or more than 750 words

The following are the measures proposed to help to ensure that the element’s viability is not jeopardized in the future, especially as an unintended result of inscription and the resulting visibility and public attention. They are gathered under two sections, a) organization, and b) research.
a) Organization
1. Creation of the Institute for the Safeguarding of the Festivity of Virgen de la Candelaria of Puno which will design capacity building and orientation programs of its cultural aspects. This will be the main entity for the promotion and dissemination of the festivity, and will also promote the research of the main elements of the festivity.
Responsible entities:
•           Regional Federation of Folklore and Culture of Puno.
•           Association of Anthropologists of Puno.
•           Universidad Nacional del Altiplano.
•           Regional Directorate of Culture of Puno.
•           Regional Government of Puno.
•           Instituto Americano de Arte de Puno.
•           Provincial Municipality of Puno.
Approximate Cost: US$ 5 000
Implementation time: One year
2. Implementation of a coordinated management plan for the organization of the Festivity of Virgen de la Candelaria. The institutions and organizations which are involved in the festivity will make a long-term plan with the purpose of laying down the norms for its development, including the promotion and dissemination of the activities carried out, the management of public areas and of the environment, the regulation of private sponsorship and the regulation of business activities and tourism.
Responsible entity:
•           Institute for the Safeguarding of the Festivity of Virgen de la Candelaria of Puno, which encompasses the aformentioned institutions.
Approximate Cost: US$ 200 000
Implementation time: Five years
b) Research
Main purpose: Identification and safeguarding of the main cultural expressions that are part of the Festivity of Virgen de la Candelaria of Puno.
1. Participatory inventory of the cultural manifestations that are part of the Festivity of Virgen de la Candelaria of Puno. The cultural diversity and richness of the Festivity of Virgen de la Candelaria are the result of the multiple arrays of elements of the intangible cultural heritage that the festivity articulates. This part of the research aims at identifying and documenting these elements through both a historical and a contemporary perspective. This inventory will be carried out in a participatory manner with the different individuals and groups who have directly contributed in maintaining these manifestations alive.
Entity in charge: Universidad Nacional del Altiplano.
Participant entities:
•           Regional Directorate of Culture of Puno
•           Regional Goverment of Puno
•           Association of Anthropoligst of Puno
•           Regional Federation of Folklore and Culture of Puno
•           Gobernación de Puno
Approximate Cost: US$ 600 000
Implementation time: Three years
2. Research project on the cultural and symbolic contents of the Festivity of Virgen de la Candelaria. The cultural elements associated with the festivity are numerous and many of them have symbolic values of ancient origin. Intangible aspects such as rituals, dance and music, whose importance in the strengthening of the identity of the different communities is substantive, intermingle with material elements representative of the region. In-depth research of these elements from historical and anthropological perspectives will allow a broad spectrum approach that will enrich the contemporary value of the festivity.
Entity in charge: Universidad Nacional del Altiplano.
Approximate Cost: US$ 50 000
Implementation time: Two years
3. Training workshops for actors involved in the Festivity of Virgen de la Candelaria. Many of the traditional elements of the Festivity are being abandoned by the new generations, who focus on spectacular aspects without taking into account the associated cultural meanings. The aim is to create a space for transmission of associated values, led jointly by specialized researchers and recognized personalities of the festivity, such as experienced musicians, dancers, embroiderers and masqueraders.
Entity in charge: Provincial Municipality of Puno
Participant entities:
•           Regional Federation of Folklore and Culture of Puno
•           Federation of Embroidering and Mask-making Artists of the Puno Region
•           Regional Federation of Musical Bands of Puno
•           Universidad Nacional de Altiplano Puno
•           Association of Anthropologists of Puno
Approximate Cost: US$ 200 000
Implementation time: Three years

• How will the States Parties concerned support the implementation of the proposed safeguarding measures?

Not fewer than 150 or more than 250 words

The Regional Government of Puno, the Provincial Municipality of Puno and the Ministry of Culture through the Regional Directorate of Culture of Puno are major State entities involved in the implementation of the proposed safeguarding measures. The Regional Government and the Provincial Municipality are responsible for promoting the relevant legal regulations, as well as ensure their compliance through the pertaining procedures.
The Ministry of Culture is responsible for coordinating the actions related to the identification, registration and enhancement of the cultural events that are part of the Festivity of Virgen de la Candelaria. The Ministry will also provide counseling in the training workshops and in-depth research projects.
The Universidad Nacional del Altiplano is another State institution that has actively participated in the nomination process. It has offered many resources to carry out the multiple proposed safeguarding measures. At its headquarters in the city of Puno a physical space will be destined for the Institute for the Safeguarding of the Festivity of Virgen de la Candelaria of Puno.

• How have communities, groups or individuals been involved in planning the proposed safeguarding measures and how will they be involved in their implementation?

Not fewer than 150 or more than 250 words

A working group composed of representatives of all the institutions involved in the realization of the Festivity of Virgen de la Candelaria of Puno was formed for the preparation of the form ICH-02-2014. After several meetings a Commission exclusively committed to the contextual analysis of the festivity was appointed, so as to propose safeguarding measures in a consensual manner. As a result of this work, joint actions were agreed upon and the institutions responsible for each one of them were defined. The proceedings of the meetings held by the working groups are attached to the nomination file.
Pertaining their involvement, there are three main aspects:
-        Active participation in the identification, registration and enhancement of cultural expressions that are part of the Festivity of Virgen de la Candelaria of Puno.
-        Participation in the transmission of cultural meanings associated with the Festivity of Virgen de la Candelaria of Puno in the proposed training workshops.
-        Support and monitor the progress of the proposed measures and activities.

3.c.  Competent body(ies) involved in safeguarding
Provide the name, address and other contact information of the competent body(ies), and if applicable, the name and title of the contact person(s), with responsibility for the local management and safeguarding of the element.

3.c.  Competent body(ies) involved in safeguarding
Provide the name, address and other contact information of the competent body(ies), and if applicable, the name and title of the contact person(s), with responsibility for the local management and safeguarding of the element.

4.    Community participation and consent in the nomination process

For Criterion U.4, the States shall demonstrate that ‘the element has been nominated following the widest possible participation of the community, group or, if applicable, individuals concerned and with their free, prior and informed consent’.

4.a.    Participation of communities, groups and individuals concerned in the nomination process
Describe how the community, group or, if applicable, individuals concerned have participated actively in preparing and elaborating the nomination at all stages.
States Parties are encouraged to prepare nominations with the participation of a wide variety of all concerned parties, including where appropriate local and regional governments, communities, NGOs, research institutes, centres of expertise and others.
Not fewer than 300 or more than 500 words

The nomination of the Festivity of Virgen de la Candelaria is a joint effort of many representative institutions of the Puno region. The process began at the request of the Regional Federation of Folklore and Culture of Puno, which sent a letter to the Ministry of Culture asking it to carry out the necessary actions for the submission of the candidacy. Then, in a meeting among the Regional Federation of Folklore and Culture of Puno, Provincial Municipality of Puno, and the Ministry of Culture, it is convened that it should be a broadly participatory process of nomination, and thus it is decided to gather together all the institutions that organize or participate in the festivity. The Ministry of Culture, through the Regional Directorate of Culture at Puno and the Directorate of Intangible Contemporary Heritage undertook the coordination of this process.
In May 2012, the committee for the nomination of the Festivity of Virgen de la Candelaria to the Representative List of the Cultural Heritage of Humanity is formed and representatives from the bearers and performers of the cultural expression, together with the participating institutions, are appointed as follows:

• Presidency of the Committee: Regional Government of Puno
• Vice Presidency of the Committee: Provincial Municipality of Puno
• Joint Secretariat: Regional Directorate of Culture of Puno, Regional Federation of Folklore and
• Culture of Puno
• Board members:
• Universidad Nacional del Altiplano de Puno
• Instituto Americano de Arte de Puno
• Association of Anthropologists of Puno
• Federation of Embroidering and Mask-making Artists of the Puno Region, which represents the artisans who make the garments for the dancers, musicians and other performers in the festivity.
• Regional Federation of Musical Bands of Puno, which represents the musicians who perform in
• the festivity.

Two working groups were also formed. The first aimed to outline and put in writing the information to be included in the form ICH-02-2014. The second working group aimed to preview the problematic of the feast, the resources available for the implementation of the safeguarding measures, and to define the responsibilities and attributions of the institutions involved in the Festivity of Virgen de la Candelaria.
Both groups held 21 coordination meetings between May and December 2012, with the constant participation of delegations from the following institutions:

• Regional Government of Puno
• Provincial Municipality of Puno
• Regional Directorate of Culture of Puno
• Regional Directorate of Foreign Trade and Tourism of Puno
• Regional Prefecture of Puno
• Diocese of Puno
• Regional Federation of Folklore and Culture of Puno
• Federation of Embroidering and Mask-making Artists of the Puno Region
• Regional Federation of Musical Bands of Puno
• Instituto Americano de Arte de Puno
• Universidad Nacional de Altiplano de Puno
• Association of Anthropologists of Puno

In January 2013 the process of elaboration of form ICH-02-2014 is completed, including the pertaining safeguarding measures, and the Ministry of Culture undertake the responsibility of sending the file to UNESCO.

4.b.    Free, prior and informed consent to the nomination
The free, prior and informed consent to the nomination of the element from the community, group or, if applicable, individuals concerned may be demonstrated through written or recorded concurrence, or through other means, according to the legal regimens of the State Party and the infinite variety of communities and groups concerned. The Committee will welcome a broad range of demonstrations or attestations of community consent in preference to standard or uniform declarations. Evidence of free, prior and informed consent shall be provided in one of the working languages of the Committee (English or French), as well as the language of the community concerned if its members use languages other than English or French
Attach to the nomination form information showing such consent and indicate below what documents you are providing and what form they take.
Not fewer than 150 or more than 250 words

The process of nomination of the Festivity of Virgen de la Candelaria was carried out with the approval and constant participation of all the representative institutions of the population of Puno involved in the development of the festivity. The final draft of the form ICH-02-2014 and the commitments for the safeguarding of the feast was a result of more than one year of exhaustive work. The working meetings are registered in a legalized proceedings book, and a photographic record was also produced to be attached to the form ICH-02-2014.
We are providing the following documents that show the free, prior and informed consent to the nomination of the element from the community and groups concerned:
-           Petition of the representative organizations to the Ministry of Culture of Peru for the coordination of the nomination process of the Festivity of Virgen de la Candelaria of Puno to the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Humanity.
-           Proceedings of the meeting for the constitution of the committee for the nomination of the Festivity of Virgen de la Candelaria of Puno to the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Humanity and of the meetings held by the working groups.
-           Photographs of working groups meetings.

4.c.    Respect for customary practices governing access to the element
Access to certain specific aspects of intangible cultural heritage or to information about it is sometimes restricted by customary practices enacted and conducted by the communities in order, for example, to maintain the secrecy of certain knowledge. If such practices exist, demonstrate that inscription of the element and implementation of the safeguarding measures would fully respect such customary practices governing access to specific aspects of such heritage (cf. Article 13 of the Convention). Describe any specific measures that might need to be taken to ensure such respect.
If no such practices exist, please provide a clear statement that there are no customary practices governing access to the element in at least 50 words
Not fewer than 50 or more than 250 words

In the Festivity of Virgen de la Candelaria of Puno, there is no part or element that is not compatible with existing international human rights instruments or with the requirement of mutual respect among communities, groups and individuals, or with sustainable development.
The Festivity of Virgen de la Candelaria of Puno includes a complex set of cultural and religious activities in which the population participates actively and massively. The inhabitants of Puno demonstrate their faith and cultural identity by organizing themselves to dance, attending the public masses in the Cathedral or in the sanctuary of the Virgin, making floral arrangements, altars and firework castles, or simply witnessing and encouraging the groups that arrive at the city, all of this in a public and open way. The rehearsals of the dancers and meetings to organize the Festivity are open and outside communities and neighborhood organizations are often involved in these activities. Burning “qhapos” and offering ceremonies to mother earth that are part of the festivity do not have any restriction of access, nor are they incompatible with human rights.

4.d. Concerned community organization(s) or representative(s)
Provide the name, address and other contact information of community organizations or representatives, or other non-governmental organizations, that are concerned with the element such as associations, organizations, clubs, guilds, steering committees, etc.

4.d. Concerned community organization(s) or representative(s)
Provide the name, address and other contact information of community organizations or representatives, or other non-governmental organizations, that are concerned with the element such as associations, organizations, clubs, guilds, steering committees, etc.

4.d. Concerned community organization(s) or representative(s)
Provide the name, address and other contact information of community organizations or representatives, or other non-governmental organizations, that are concerned with the element such as associations, organizations, clubs, guilds, steering committees, etc.

4.d. Concerned community organization(s) or representative(s)
Provide the name, address and other contact information of community organizations or representatives, or other non-governmental organizations, that are concerned with the element such as associations, organizations, clubs, guilds, steering committees, etc.

4.d. Concerned community organization(s) or representative(s)
Provide the name, address and other contact information of community organizations or representatives, or other non-governmental organizations, that are concerned with the element such as associations, organizations, clubs, guilds, steering committees, etc.

4.d. Concerned community organization(s) or representative(s)
Provide the name, address and other contact information of community organizations or representatives, or other non-governmental organizations, that are concerned with the element such as associations, organizations, clubs, guilds, steering committees, etc.

4.d. Concerned community organization(s) or representative(s)
Provide the name, address and other contact information of community organizations or representatives, or other non-governmental organizations, that are concerned with the element such as associations, organizations, clubs, guilds, steering committees, etc.

4.d. Concerned community organization(s) or representative(s)
Provide the name, address and other contact information of community organizations or representatives, or other non-governmental organizations, that are concerned with the element such as associations, organizations, clubs, guilds, steering committees, etc.

4.d. Concerned community organization(s) or representative(s)
Provide the name, address and other contact information of community organizations or representatives, or other non-governmental organizations, that are concerned with the element such as associations, organizations, clubs, guilds, steering committees, etc.

5.       Inclusion of the element in an inventory

For Criterion R.5, the States shall demonstrate that ‘the element is included in an inventory of the intangible cultural heritage present in the territory(ies) of the submitting State(s) Party(ies), as defined in Articles 11 and 12 of the Convention’.
Indicate below when the element has been included in the inventory, its reference and identify the inventory in which the element has been included and the office, agency, organization or body responsible for maintaining that inventory. Demonstrate below that the inventory has been drawn up in conformity with the Convention, in particular Article 11(b) that stipulates that intangible cultural heritage shall be identified and defined ‘with the participation of communities, groups and relevant non-governmental organizations’ and Article 12 requiring that inventories be regularly updated.
The nominated element’s inclusion in an inventory should not in any way imply or require that the inventory(ies) should have been completed prior to nomination. Rather, a submitting State Party may be in the process of completing or updating one or more inventories, but has already duly included the nominated element on an inventory-in-progress.
Documentary evidence shall also be provided in an annex demonstrating that the nominated element is included in an inventory of the intangible cultural heritage present in the territory(ies) of the submitting State(s) Party(ies), as defined in Articles 11 and 12 of the Convention; such evidence may take the form of a functioning hyperlink through which such an inventory may be accessed.Not fewer than 150 or more than 250 words

The Directorate of Contemporary Intangible Heritage is the Ministry of Culture area in charge of organizing, promoting and researching the cultural expressions related to the live cultural heritage. For the expressions of the intangible cultural heritage, the Ministry of Culture has developed a participatory system to implement an inventory of these expressions, called Declarations of Cultural Heritage of the Nation.
The Declarations of Cultural Heritage of the Nation are ruled by Resolutions issued by the Vice ministry of Cultural Heritage and Cultural Industries. Each declaration is supported by a dossier prepared by the community of bearers and presented to the Ministry of Culture; this dossier states and documents the essential characteristics of the expression and justifies its importance, value, significance and impact on the definition of the collective, local, regional, ethnic, communal and/or national identity.
The Festivity of Virgen de la Candelaria of Puno was declared Cultural Heritage of the Nation through Directoral Resolution N° 695/INC, dated September 2, 2003.
The official declarations of Peruvian expressions of Intangible Cultural Heritage can be accessed in the following Web link, in the web page of the Ministry of Culture:
www.http://intranet.mcultura.gob.pe/intranet/dpcn/

6.    Documentation

6.a.  Appended documentation (mandatory)
The documentation listed below is mandatory, except for the edited video, and will be used in the process of examining and evaluating the nomination. The photographs and the video  will also be helpful for visibility activities if the element is inscribed. Tick the following boxes to confirm that related items are included with the nomination and that they follow the instructions. Additional materials other than those specified below cannot be accepted and will not be returned.

 documentary evidence of the consent of communities, along with a translation into English or French if the language of concerned community is other than English or French
 documentary evidence of the inclusion of the element in an inventory (except if a funcionning hyperlink to a webpage providing such evidence has been provided)
 10 recent photographs in high definition
 cession(s) of rights corresponding to the photos (Form ICH-07-photo)
 edited video (from 5  to 10 minutes), subtitled in one of the languages of the Committee (English or French) if the language utilized is other than English or French (strongly encouraged for evaluation and visibility)
 cession(s) of rights corresponding to the video recording (Form ICH-07-video)

6.b. Principal published references (optional)
Submitting States may wish to list, using a standard bibliographic format, principal published references providing supplementary information on the element, such as books, articles, audiovisual materials or websites. Such published works should not be sent along with the nomination.
Not to exceed one standard page.

1.         LUNA LA ROSA, Lizandro; Mascaras del Altiplano, Editorial “Samuel Frisancho Pineda”, 1993.
2.        FRISANCHO PINEDA, Samuel; Álbum de Oro Tomo X, Editorial “Samuel Frisancho Pineda”, 1993.
3.        FRISANCHO PINEDA, Samuel; Álbum de Oro Tomo I, Monografía del Departamento de Puno, Editorial “Samuel Frisancho Pineda”, 1980.
4.        CUENTAS GAMARRA, Leonidas; Danzas del Altiplano de Puno, Editorial “Samuel Frisancho Pineda” 1981.
5.        CUENTAS GAMARRA, Leonidas; Apuntes Antropológico Social de las Zonas Aymaras del Departamento de Puno.
6.        PORTUGAL CATACORA, José; Danzas y Bailes del Altiplano, 1976.
7.        BRAVO MAMANI, Enrique; IV Tomo Festividad de la Candelaria de Puno, Fervor y Simbolismo de la Danza Andina, 2011.
8.         BRAVO MAMANI, Enrique; Festividad de la Candelaria y sus Danzas, Febrero de 1994.
9.         CUENTAS ORMACHEA, Enrique; Puno Turístico, Universidad Nacional del Altiplano Puno,
10.       CUENTAS ORMACHEA, Enrique, Presencia de Puno en la Cultura Popular,
11.       BARRIONUEVO, Alfonsina; Los Dioses de la Lluvia, 1973.
12.       BRAVO MAMANI, Enrique; Riquezas de la Danzas Puneñas, Febrero 1984.
13.       JAIKA, Mateo; Kancharani, Relatos del Collao, 1969.
14.       PANIAGUA LOZA, Félix, Glosas de Danzas del Altiplano Peruano, 1981.
15.      YUPAMQUI AZA, Tomas Enrique; Religión y Fiesta de la Virgen Candelaria, Primera Edición, 2005.
16.      PALAO BERASTAIN, Juan; La Religión del Titicaca, Revelaciones del Yatiri, 2001.
17.      CALSIN ANCO, René; VELASQUEZ GARAMBEL, José Luis; Historia de Puno.
18.      CANAHUIRE CCAMA, J. Alfonso; Festividad Virgen de la Candelaria, Historia, Tradición, Folklore y la Fe Religiosa, 2009.
19.      LUNA LA ROSA, Lizandro; Zampoñas del Kollao, (tratado del folklore) Editorial “Los Andes” 1975. 
20.      FRISANCHO PINEDA, Samuel; Puno, Capital Folklórica del Perú – Puno, Edición “Los Andes” 1973.
21.      MALAGA MEDINA, Alejandro; Mamita Candelaria, Virgen Morena, Estampas Puneñas, Año 1, Febrero 1979.

7.    Signature on behalf of the State(s) Party(ies)

The nomination should conclude with the original signature of the official empowered to sign it on behalf of the State Party, together with his or her name, title and the date of submission.
In the case of multi-national nominations, the document should contain the name, title and signature of an official of each State Party submitting the nomination.