Takanakuy: Peru’s Christmas Fight Tradition
Takanakuy: Peru’s Christmas Fight Tradition – With Christmas around the corner, the season’s magic starts to come alive—green and red decorations everywhere, and the annual surprise of Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” topping the charts yet again. For me, Christmas has always been bittersweet. Born on the holiday, I rarely had birthday parties or presents as a kid—friends were always out of town. Now, I celebrate for the kids and cherish one special gift every year: a hand-drawn birthday card from my daughter, Gissel. Still, I can’t help but imagine a world where grudges are resolved not with anger but with annual Christmas-day brawls—a mix of kickboxing, lucha libre, and martial arts. It all comes down to a Peruvian Ninja!
In the Chumbivilcas Province of Peru, this isn’t just a thought experiment—it’s a reality. Known as Takanakuy, this centuries-old tradition turns December 25th into a day for resolving disputes through organized fights. High in the Andes, locals don colorful costumes and gather to squash conflicts with their fists in a cathartic celebration. Unlike the carols and feasts seen in much of the world, Takanakuy embraces confrontation as a way to wash away negativity and welcome the new year with a clean slate.
What Is Takanakuy?
Majeta dress with the addition of a leather biker jacket, long leather cowboy chaps, and either a dead bird or a deer skull on top of the head. The majority of the young individuals in the indigenous communities pick this type of fighter due to its intimidation factor
Takanakuy, meaning “to hit each other” in Quechua, combines elements of martial arts, cultural expression, and social conflict resolution. Originating in the Andes, particularly in Santo Tomás, this unique celebration now extends to cities like Cuzco and Lima. Dressed in vibrant costumes inspired by Andean symbolism, participants take to the streets, ready to air grievances and release tension—often under the influence of local spirits.
The Rules of the Ring
Despite the brawls, Takanakuy isn’t chaos. Each fight is regulated by community leaders armed with whips, ensuring fair play. Participants wrap their hands in cloth, and biting, hair-pulling, or hitting someone on the ground is prohibited. After the fight, opponents shake hands or hug, symbolizing the resolution of their conflict.
More Than Just Fights
Takanakuy is a full-fledged festival with traditional dances, music, and costumes. Characters like the Majeno and Quarawatanna bring humor and cultural depth to the event. Families and children often participate in the festivities, fostering community bonding.
A Tradition of Controversy
Critics call Takanakuy barbaric, pointing to its potential for injuries. Supporters argue it’s a cathartic ritual that strengthens communal ties and prevents long-standing grudges from escalating. Despite attempts by authorities to suppress it, Takanakuy continues to thrive, evolving to include participants from diverse backgrounds.
From the Andes to the World
As Takanakuy grows in global awareness, it sparks curiosity and debate about its role in resolving disputes. Is it an effective cultural practice or an outdated form of justice? One thing is clear: for the people of Chumbivilcas, Takanakuy is more than a fight—it’s a fresh start.
