Yawar Fiesta (Apurímac, Peru)   [ 36 images ]

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The Yawar Fiesta (Feast of Blood), an indigenous tradition which dates back to the time of the conquest, consists basically of an extraordinary bullfight in which three protagonists take part - a wild condor, a wild bull and brave young men of the neighboring communities. The captured condor, a sacred bird venerated by the Indians, is tied in the back of the bull which is carefully selected for its strength and pugnacity. A condor symbolizes the native inhabitants of the Andes, while a bull...
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  • Peruvian peasants gather around a captured Andean condor before the Yawar Fiesta, a ritual fight between the condor and the bull, held in the mountains of Apurímac, Cotabambas, Peru, 28 July 2012. The Yawar Fiesta (Feast of Blood), an indigenous tradition which dates back to the time of the conquest, consists basically of an extraordinary bullfight in which three protagonists take part - a wild condor, a wild bull and brave young men of the neighboring communities. The captured condor, a sacred bird venerated by the Indians, is tied in the back of the bull which is carefully selected for its strength and pugnacity. A condor symbolizes the native inhabitants of the Andes, while a bull symbolically represents the Spanish invaders. Young boys, chasing the fighting animals, wish to show their courage in front of the community. However, the Indians usually do not allow the animals to fight for a long time because death or harm of the condor is interpreted as a sign of misfortune to the community.

  • Peruvian peasants dance in the bullring before the Yawar Fiesta, a ritual fight between the condor and the bull, held in the mountains of Apurímac, Cotabambas, Peru, 30 July 2012. The Yawar Fiesta (Feast of Blood), an indigenous tradition which dates back to the time of the conquest, consists basically of an extraordinary bullfight in which three protagonists take part - a wild condor, a wild bull and brave young men of the neighboring communities. The captured condor, a sacred bird venerated by the Indians, is tied in the back of the bull which is carefully selected for its strength and pugnacity. A condor symbolizes the native inhabitants of the Andes, while a bull symbolically represents the Spanish invaders. Young boys, chasing the fighting animals, wish to show their courage in front of the community. However, the Indians usually do not allow the animals to fight for a long time because death or harm of the condor is interpreted as a sign of misfortune to the community.

  • An Andean condor viewed before the Yawar Fiesta, a ritual fight between the condor and the bull, held in the mountains of Apurímac, Cotabambas, Peru, 30 July 2012. The Yawar Fiesta (Feast of Blood), an indigenous tradition which dates back to the time of the conquest, consists basically of an extraordinary bullfight in which three protagonists take part - a wild condor, a wild bull and brave young men of the neighboring communities. The captured condor, a sacred bird venerated by the Indians, is tied in the back of the bull which is carefully selected for its strength and pugnacity. A condor symbolizes the native inhabitants of the Andes, while a bull symbolically represents the Spanish invaders. Young boys, chasing the fighting animals, wish to show their courage in front of the community. However, the Indians usually do not allow the animals to fight for a long time because death or harm of the condor is interpreted as a sign of misfortune to the community.

  • An Andean condor fights against a wild bull during the Yawar Fiesta held in the mountains of Apurímac, Cotabambas, Peru, 30 July 2012. The Yawar Fiesta (Feast of Blood), an indigenous tradition which dates back to the time of the conquest, consists basically of an extraordinary bullfight in which three protagonists take part - a wild condor, a wild bull and brave young men of the neighboring communities. The captured condor, a sacred bird venerated by the Indians, is tied in the back of the bull which is carefully selected for its strength and pugnacity. A condor symbolizes the native inhabitants of the Andes, while a bull symbolically represents the Spanish invaders. Young boys, chasing the fighting animals, wish to show their courage in front of the community. However, the Indians usually do not allow the animals to fight for a long time because death or harm of the condor is interpreted as a sign of misfortune to the community.

  • Peruvian indigenous women dance before the Yawar Fiesta, a ritual fight between the condor and the bull, held in the mountains of Apurímac, Cotabambas, Peru, 28 July 2012. The Yawar Fiesta (Feast of Blood), an indigenous tradition which dates back to the time of the conquest, consists basically of an extraordinary bullfight in which three protagonists take part - a wild condor, a wild bull and brave young men of the neighboring communities. The captured condor, a sacred bird venerated by the Indians, is tied in the back of the bull which is carefully selected for its strength and pugnacity. A condor symbolizes the native inhabitants of the Andes, while a bull symbolically represents the Spanish invaders. Young boys, chasing the fighting animals, wish to show their courage in front of the community. However, the Indians usually do not allow the animals to fight for a long time because death or harm of the condor is interpreted as a sign of misfortune to the community.

  • A Peruvian indigenous man holds a crumpled trumpet during the Yawar Fiesta, a ritual fight between the condor and the bull, held in the mountains of Apurímac, Cotabambas, Peru, 29 July 2012. The Yawar Fiesta (Feast of Blood), an indigenous tradition which dates back to the time of the conquest, consists basically of an extraordinary bullfight in which three protagonists take part - a wild condor, a wild bull and brave young men of the neighboring communities. The captured condor, a sacred bird venerated by the Indians, is tied in the back of the bull which is carefully selected for its strength and pugnacity. A condor symbolizes the native inhabitants of the Andes, while a bull symbolically represents the Spanish invaders. Young boys, chasing the fighting animals, wish to show their courage in front of the community. However, the Indians usually do not allow the animals to fight for a long time because death or harm of the condor is interpreted as a sign of misfortune to the community.

  • A young man being gored by a bull during the Yawar Fiesta, a ritual fight between the condor and the bull, held in the mountains of Apurímac, Cotabambas, Peru, 30 July 2012. The Yawar Fiesta (Feast of Blood), an indigenous tradition which dates back to the time of the conquest, consists basically of an extraordinary bullfight in which three protagonists take part - a wild condor, a wild bull and brave young men of the neighboring communities. The captured condor, a sacred bird venerated by the Indians, is tied in the back of the bull which is carefully selected for its strength and pugnacity. A condor symbolizes the native inhabitants of the Andes, while a bull symbolically represents the Spanish invaders. Young boys, chasing the fighting animals, wish to show their courage in front of the community. However, the Indians usually do not allow the animals to fight for a long time because death or harm of the condor is interpreted as a sign of misfortune to the community.

  • Peruvian Indians lead a captured Andean condor to celebrate the Yawar Fiesta, a ritual fight between the condor and the bull, held in the mountains of Apurímac, Cotabambas, Peru, 28 July 2012. The Yawar Fiesta (Feast of Blood), an indigenous tradition which dates back to the time of the conquest, consists basically of an extraordinary bullfight in which three protagonists take part - a wild condor, a wild bull and brave young men of the neighboring communities. The captured condor, a sacred bird venerated by the Indians, is tied in the back of the bull which is carefully selected for its strength and pugnacity. A condor symbolizes the native inhabitants of the Andes, while a bull symbolically represents the Spanish invaders. Young boys, chasing the fighting animals, wish to show their courage in front of the community. However, the Indians usually do not allow the animals to fight for a long time because death or harm of the condor is interpreted as a sign of misfortune to the community.

  • A Peruvian indigenous woman celebrates the Yawar Fiesta, a ritual fight between the condor and the bull, held in the mountains of Apurímac, Cotabambas, Peru, 30 July 2012. The Yawar Fiesta (Feast of Blood), an indigenous tradition which dates back to the time of the conquest, consists basically of an extraordinary bullfight in which three protagonists take part - a wild condor, a wild bull and brave young men of the neighboring communities. The captured condor, a sacred bird venerated by the Indians, is tied in the back of the bull which is carefully selected for its strength and pugnacity. A condor symbolizes the native inhabitants of the Andes, while a bull symbolically represents the Spanish invaders. Young boys, chasing the fighting animals, wish to show their courage in front of the community. However, the Indians usually do not allow the animals to fight for a long time because death or harm of the condor is interpreted as a sign of misfortune to the community.

  • A Peruvian peasant drinks liquor during the Yawar Fiesta, a ritual fight between the condor and the bull, held in the mountains of Apurímac, Cotabambas, Peru, 30 July 2012. The Yawar Fiesta (Feast of Blood), an indigenous tradition which dates back to the time of the conquest, consists basically of an extraordinary bullfight in which three protagonists take part - a wild condor, a wild bull and brave young men of the neighboring communities. The captured condor, a sacred bird venerated by the Indians, is tied in the back of the bull which is carefully selected for its strength and pugnacity. A condor symbolizes the native inhabitants of the Andes, while a bull symbolically represents the Spanish invaders. Young boys, chasing the fighting animals, wish to show their courage in front of the community. However, the Indians usually do not allow the animals to fight for a long time because death or harm of the condor is interpreted as a sign of misfortune to the community.

  • Peruvian peasants dance before the Yawar Fiesta, a ritual fight between the condor and the bull, held in the mountains of Apurímac, Cotabambas, Peru, 28 July 2012. The Yawar Fiesta (Feast of Blood), an indigenous tradition which dates back to the time of the conquest, consists basically of an extraordinary bullfight in which three protagonists take part - a wild condor, a wild bull and brave young men of the neighboring communities. The captured condor, a sacred bird venerated by the Indians, is tied in the back of the bull which is carefully selected for its strength and pugnacity. A condor symbolizes the native inhabitants of the Andes, while a bull symbolically represents the Spanish invaders. Young boys, chasing the fighting animals, wish to show their courage in front of the community. However, the Indians usually do not allow the animals to fight for a long time because death or harm of the condor is interpreted as a sign of misfortune to the community.

  • Peruvian peasants lead a captured Andean condor to celebrate the Yawar Fiesta, a ritual fight between the condor and the bull, held in the mountains of Apurímac, Cotabambas, Peru, 28 July 2012. The Yawar Fiesta (Feast of Blood), an indigenous tradition which dates back to the time of the conquest, consists basically of an extraordinary bullfight in which three protagonists take part - a wild condor, a wild bull and brave young men of the neighboring communities. The captured condor, a sacred bird venerated by the Indians, is tied in the back of the bull which is carefully selected for its strength and pugnacity. A condor symbolizes the native inhabitants of the Andes, while a bull symbolically represents the Spanish invaders. Young boys, chasing the fighting animals, wish to show their courage in front of the community. However, the Indians usually do not allow the animals to fight for a long time because death or harm of the condor is interpreted as a sign of misfortune to the community.

  • An Andean condor fights against a wild bull, while a bullfighter runs away, during the Yawar Fiesta held in the mountains of Apurímac, Cotabambas, Peru, 30 July 2012. The Yawar Fiesta (Feast of Blood), an indigenous tradition which dates back to the time of the conquest, consists basically of an extraordinary bullfight in which three protagonists take part - a wild condor, a wild bull and brave young men of the neighboring communities. The captured condor, a sacred bird venerated by the Indians, is tied in the back of the bull which is carefully selected for its strength and pugnacity. A condor symbolizes the native inhabitants of the Andes, while a bull symbolically represents the Spanish invaders. Young boys, chasing the fighting animals, wish to show their courage in front of the community. However, the Indians usually do not allow the animals to fight for a long time because death or harm of the condor is interpreted as a sign of misfortune to the community.

  • A captured Andean condor viewed before the Yawar Fiesta, a ritual fight between the condor and the bull, held in the mountains of Apurímac, Cotabambas, Peru, 30 July 2012. The Yawar Fiesta (Feast of Blood), an indigenous tradition which dates back to the time of the conquest, consists basically of an extraordinary bullfight in which three protagonists take part - a wild condor, a wild bull and brave young men of the neighboring communities. The captured condor, a sacred bird venerated by the Indians, is tied in the back of the bull which is carefully selected for its strength and pugnacity. A condor symbolizes the native inhabitants of the Andes, while a bull symbolically represents the Spanish invaders. Young boys, chasing the fighting animals, wish to show their courage in front of the community. However, the Indians usually do not allow the animals to fight for a long time because death or harm of the condor is interpreted as a sign of misfortune to the community.

  • Peruvian Indians show a captured Andean condor before the Yawar Fiesta, a ritual fight between the condor and the bull, held in the mountains of Apurímac, Cotabambas, Peru, 28 July 2012. The Yawar Fiesta (Feast of Blood), an indigenous tradition which dates back to the time of the conquest, consists basically of an extraordinary bullfight in which three protagonists take part - a wild condor, a wild bull and brave young men of the neighboring communities. The captured condor, a sacred bird venerated by the Indians, is tied in the back of the bull which is carefully selected for its strength and pugnacity. A condor symbolizes the native inhabitants of the Andes, while a bull symbolically represents the Spanish invaders. Young boys, chasing the fighting animals, wish to show their courage in front of the community. However, the Indians usually do not allow the animals to fight for a long time because death or harm of the condor is interpreted as a sign of misfortune to the community.

  • An Andean condor fights against a wild bull, while a bullfighter runs away, during the Yawar Fiesta held in the mountains of Apurímac, Cotabambas, Peru, 30 July 2012. The Yawar Fiesta (Feast of Blood), an indigenous tradition which dates back to the time of the conquest, consists basically of an extraordinary bullfight in which three protagonists take part - a wild condor, a wild bull and brave young men of the neighboring communities. The captured condor, a sacred bird venerated by the Indians, is tied in the back of the bull which is carefully selected for its strength and pugnacity. A condor symbolizes the native inhabitants of the Andes, while a bull symbolically represents the Spanish invaders. Young boys, chasing the fighting animals, wish to show their courage in front of the community. However, the Indians usually do not allow the animals to fight for a long time because death or harm of the condor is interpreted as a sign of misfortune to the community.

  • An Andean condor viewed before the Yawar Fiesta, a ritual fight between the condor and the bull, held in the mountains of Apurímac, Cotabambas, Peru, 30 July 2012. The Yawar Fiesta (Feast of Blood), an indigenous tradition which dates back to the time of the conquest, consists basically of an extraordinary bullfight in which three protagonists take part - a wild condor, a wild bull and brave young men of the neighboring communities. The captured condor, a sacred bird venerated by the Indians, is tied in the back of the bull which is carefully selected for its strength and pugnacity. A condor symbolizes the native inhabitants of the Andes, while a bull symbolically represents the Spanish invaders. Young boys, chasing the fighting animals, wish to show their courage in front of the community. However, the Indians usually do not allow the animals to fight for a long time because death or harm of the condor is interpreted as a sign of misfortune to the community.

  • A young bullfighter is attacked by a wild bull during the Yawar Fiesta held in the mountains of Apurímac, Cotabambas, Peru, 30 July 2012. The Yawar Fiesta (Feast of Blood), an indigenous tradition which dates back to the time of the conquest, consists basically of an extraordinary bullfight in which three protagonists take part - a wild condor, a wild bull and brave young men of the neighboring communities. The captured condor, a sacred bird venerated by the Indians, is tied in the back of the bull which is carefully selected for its strength and pugnacity. A condor symbolizes the native inhabitants of the Andes, while a bull symbolically represents the Spanish invaders. Young boys, chasing the fighting animals, wish to show their courage in front of the community. However, the Indians usually do not allow the animals to fight for a long time because death or harm of the condor is interpreted as a sign of misfortune to the community.

  • An Andean condor viewed before the Yawar Fiesta, a ritual fight between the condor and the bull, held in the mountains of Apurímac, Cotabambas, Peru, 30 July 2012. The Yawar Fiesta (Feast of Blood), an indigenous tradition which dates back to the time of the conquest, consists basically of an extraordinary bullfight in which three protagonists take part - a wild condor, a wild bull and brave young men of the neighboring communities. The captured condor, a sacred bird venerated by the Indians, is tied in the back of the bull which is carefully selected for its strength and pugnacity. A condor symbolizes the native inhabitants of the Andes, while a bull symbolically represents the Spanish invaders. Young boys, chasing the fighting animals, wish to show their courage in front of the community. However, the Indians usually do not allow the animals to fight for a long time because death or harm of the condor is interpreted as a sign of misfortune to the community.

  • Peruvian indigenous women celebrate the Yawar Fiesta, a ritual fight between the condor and the bull, held in the mountains of Apurímac, Cotabambas, Peru, 30 July 2012. The Yawar Fiesta (Feast of Blood), an indigenous tradition which dates back to the time of the conquest, consists basically of an extraordinary bullfight in which three protagonists take part - a wild condor, a wild bull and brave young men of the neighboring communities. The captured condor, a sacred bird venerated by the Indians, is tied in the back of the bull which is carefully selected for its strength and pugnacity. A condor symbolizes the native inhabitants of the Andes, while a bull symbolically represents the Spanish invaders. Young boys, chasing the fighting animals, wish to show their courage in front of the community. However, the Indians usually do not allow the animals to fight for a long time because death or harm of the condor is interpreted as a sign of misfortune to the community.

  • Adobe houses viewed in the mountains of Apurímac, Cotabambas, Peru, 29 July 2012. The Yawar Fiesta (Feast of Blood), an indigenous tradition which dates back to the time of the conquest, consists basically of an extraordinary bullfight in which three protagonists take part - a wild condor, a wild bull and brave young men of the neighboring communities. The captured condor, a sacred bird venerated by the Indians, is tied in the back of the bull which is carefully selected for its strength and pugnacity. A condor symbolizes the native inhabitants of the Andes, while a bull symbolically represents the Spanish invaders. Young boys, chasing the fighting animals, wish to show their courage in front of the community. However, the Indians usually do not allow the animals to fight for a long time because death or harm of the condor is interpreted as a sign of misfortune to the community.

  • Magical objects belonging to an indigenous shaman viewed during the Yawar Fiesta, a ritual fight between the condor and the bull, held in the mountains of Apurímac, Cotabambas, Peru, 28 July 2012. The Yawar Fiesta (Feast of Blood), an indigenous tradition which dates back to the time of the conquest, consists basically of an extraordinary bullfight in which three protagonists take part - a wild condor, a wild bull and brave young men of the neighboring communities. The captured condor, a sacred bird venerated by the Indians, is tied in the back of the bull which is carefully selected for its strength and pugnacity. A condor symbolizes the native inhabitants of the Andes, while a bull symbolically represents the Spanish invaders. Young boys, chasing the fighting animals, wish to show their courage in front of the community. However, the Indians usually do not allow the animals to fight for a long time because death or harm of the condor is interpreted as a sign of misfortune to the community.

  • An Andean condor viewed before the Yawar Fiesta, a ritual fight between the condor and the bull, held in the mountains of Apurímac, Cotabambas, Peru, 30 July 2012. The Yawar Fiesta (Feast of Blood), an indigenous tradition which dates back to the time of the conquest, consists basically of an extraordinary bullfight in which three protagonists take part - a wild condor, a wild bull and brave young men of the neighboring communities. The captured condor, a sacred bird venerated by the Indians, is tied in the back of the bull which is carefully selected for its strength and pugnacity. A condor symbolizes the native inhabitants of the Andes, while a bull symbolically represents the Spanish invaders. Young boys, chasing the fighting animals, wish to show their courage in front of the community. However, the Indians usually do not allow the animals to fight for a long time because death or harm of the condor is interpreted as a sign of misfortune to the community.

  • Peruvian peasants perform a fake bullfight during the Yawar Fiesta, a ritual fight between the condor and the bull, held in the mountains of Apurímac, Cotabambas, Peru, 30 July 2012. The Yawar Fiesta (Feast of Blood), an indigenous tradition which dates back to the time of the conquest, consists basically of an extraordinary bullfight in which three protagonists take part - a wild condor, a wild bull and brave young men of the neighboring communities. The captured condor, a sacred bird venerated by the Indians, is tied in the back of the bull which is carefully selected for its strength and pugnacity. A condor symbolizes the native inhabitants of the Andes, while a bull symbolically represents the Spanish invaders. Young boys, chasing the fighting animals, wish to show their courage in front of the community. However, the Indians usually do not allow the animals to fight for a long time because death or harm of the condor is interpreted as a sign of misfortune to the community.

  • A captured Andean condor shows its wings before the Yawar Fiesta, a ritual fight between the condor and the bull, held in the mountains of Apurímac, Cotabambas, Peru, 28 July 2012. The Yawar Fiesta (Feast of Blood), an indigenous tradition which dates back to the time of the conquest, consists basically of an extraordinary bullfight in which three protagonists take part - a wild condor, a wild bull and brave young men of the neighboring communities. The captured condor, a sacred bird venerated by the Indians, is tied in the back of the bull which is carefully selected for its strength and pugnacity. A condor symbolizes the native inhabitants of the Andes, while a bull symbolically represents the Spanish invaders. Young boys, chasing the fighting animals, wish to show their courage in front of the community. However, the Indians usually do not allow the animals to fight for a long time because death or harm of the condor is interpreted as a sign of misfortune to the community.

  • A young bullfighter falls down after being attacked by a wild bull during the Yawar Fiesta held in the mountains of Apurímac, Cotabambas, Peru, 30 July 2012. The Yawar Fiesta (Feast of Blood), an indigenous tradition which dates back to the time of the conquest, consists basically of an extraordinary bullfight in which three protagonists take part - a wild condor, a wild bull and brave young men of the neighboring communities. The captured condor, a sacred bird venerated by the Indians, is tied in the back of the bull which is carefully selected for its strength and pugnacity. A condor symbolizes the native inhabitants of the Andes, while a bull symbolically represents the Spanish invaders. Young boys, chasing the fighting animals, wish to show their courage in front of the community. However, the Indians usually do not allow the animals to fight for a long time because death or harm of the condor is interpreted as a sign of misfortune to the community.

  • Peruvian peasants tie up a horse during a ceremony prior to the Yawar Fiesta, a ritual fight between the condor and the bull, held in the mountains of Apurímac, Cotabambas, Peru, 28 July 2012. The Yawar Fiesta (Feast of Blood), an indigenous tradition which dates back to the time of the conquest, consists basically of an extraordinary bullfight in which three protagonists take part - a wild condor, a wild bull and brave young men of the neighboring communities. The captured condor, a sacred bird venerated by the Indians, is tied in the back of the bull which is carefully selected for its strength and pugnacity. A condor symbolizes the native inhabitants of the Andes, while a bull symbolically represents the Spanish invaders. Young boys, chasing the fighting animals, wish to show their courage in front of the community. However, the Indians usually do not allow the animals to fight for a long time because death or harm of the condor is interpreted as a sign of misfortune to the community.

  • A Peruvian peasant plays a trumpet during the Yawar Fiesta, a ritual fight between the condor and the bull, held in the mountains of Apurímac, Cotabambas, Peru, 30 July 2012. The Yawar Fiesta (Feast of Blood), an indigenous tradition which dates back to the time of the conquest, consists basically of an extraordinary bullfight in which three protagonists take part - a wild condor, a wild bull and brave young men of the neighboring communities. The captured condor, a sacred bird venerated by the Indians, is tied in the back of the bull which is carefully selected for its strength and pugnacity. A condor symbolizes the native inhabitants of the Andes, while a bull symbolically represents the Spanish invaders. Young boys, chasing the fighting animals, wish to show their courage in front of the community. However, the Indians usually do not allow the animals to fight for a long time because death or harm of the condor is interpreted as a sign of misfortune to the community.

  • A wild bull waits for a bullfighter during the Yawar Fiesta, a ritual fight between the condor and the bull, held in the mountains of Apurímac, Cotabambas, Peru, 30 July 2012. The Yawar Fiesta (Feast of Blood), an indigenous tradition which dates back to the time of the conquest, consists basically of an extraordinary bullfight in which three protagonists take part - a wild condor, a wild bull and brave young men of the neighboring communities. The captured condor, a sacred bird venerated by the Indians, is tied in the back of the bull which is carefully selected for its strength and pugnacity. A condor symbolizes the native inhabitants of the Andes, while a bull symbolically represents the Spanish invaders. Young boys, chasing the fighting animals, wish to show their courage in front of the community. However, the Indians usually do not allow the animals to fight for a long time because death or harm of the condor is interpreted as a sign of misfortune to the community.

  • A captured Andean condor being washed before the Yawar Fiesta, a ritual fight between the condor and the bull, held in the mountains of Apurímac, Cotabambas, Peru, 28 July 2012. The Yawar Fiesta (Feast of Blood), an indigenous tradition which dates back to the time of the conquest, consists basically of an extraordinary bullfight in which three protagonists take part - a wild condor, a wild bull and brave young men of the neighboring communities. The captured condor, a sacred bird venerated by the Indians, is tied in the back of the bull which is carefully selected for its strength and pugnacity. A condor symbolizes the native inhabitants of the Andes, while a bull symbolically represents the Spanish invaders. Young boys, chasing the fighting animals, wish to show their courage in front of the community. However, the Indians usually do not allow the animals to fight for a long time because death or harm of the condor is interpreted as a sign of misfortune to the community.

  • Peruvian indigenous boys watch wild bulls in the corral before the Yawar Fiesta, a ritual fight between the condor and the bull, held in the mountains of Apurímac, Cotabambas, Peru, 30 July 2012. The Yawar Fiesta (Feast of Blood), an indigenous tradition which dates back to the time of the conquest, consists basically of an extraordinary bullfight in which three protagonists take part - a wild condor, a wild bull and brave young men of the neighboring communities. The captured condor, a sacred bird venerated by the Indians, is tied in the back of the bull which is carefully selected for its strength and pugnacity. A condor symbolizes the native inhabitants of the Andes, while a bull symbolically represents the Spanish invaders. Young boys, chasing the fighting animals, wish to show their courage in front of the community. However, the Indians usually do not allow the animals to fight for a long time because death or harm of the condor is interpreted as a sign of misfortune to the community.

  • An Andean condor fights against a wild bull during the Yawar Fiesta held in the mountains of Apurímac, Cotabambas, Peru, 30 July 2012. The Yawar Fiesta (Feast of Blood), an indigenous tradition which dates back to the time of the conquest, consists basically of an extraordinary bullfight in which three protagonists take part - a wild condor, a wild bull and brave young men of the neighboring communities. The captured condor, a sacred bird venerated by the Indians, is tied in the back of the bull which is carefully selected for its strength and pugnacity. A condor symbolizes the native inhabitants of the Andes, while a bull symbolically represents the Spanish invaders. Young boys, chasing the fighting animals, wish to show their courage in front of the community. However, the Indians usually do not allow the animals to fight for a long time because death or harm of the condor is interpreted as a sign of misfortune to the community.

  • Peruvian peasants lead a horse during a ceremony prior to the Yawar Fiesta, a ritual fight between the condor and the bull, held in the mountains of Apurímac, Cotabambas, Peru, 28 July 2012. The Yawar Fiesta (Feast of Blood), an indigenous tradition which dates back to the time of the conquest, consists basically of an extraordinary bullfight in which three protagonists take part - a wild condor, a wild bull and brave young men of the neighboring communities. The captured condor, a sacred bird venerated by the Indians, is tied in the back of the bull which is carefully selected for its strength and pugnacity. A condor symbolizes the native inhabitants of the Andes, while a bull symbolically represents the Spanish invaders. Young boys, chasing the fighting animals, wish to show their courage in front of the community. However, the Indians usually do not allow the animals to fight for a long time because death or harm of the condor is interpreted as a sign of misfortune to the community.

  • A young bullfighter falls down after being attacked by a wild bull during the Yawar Fiesta, a ritual fight between the condor and the bull, held in the mountains of Apurímac, Cotabambas, Peru, 30 July 2012. The Yawar Fiesta (Feast of Blood), an indigenous tradition which dates back to the time of the conquest, consists basically of an extraordinary bullfight in which three protagonists take part - a wild condor, a wild bull and brave young men of the neighboring communities. The captured condor, a sacred bird venerated by the Indians, is tied in the back of the bull which is carefully selected for its strength and pugnacity. A condor symbolizes the native inhabitants of the Andes, while a bull symbolically represents the Spanish invaders. Young boys, chasing the fighting animals, wish to show their courage in front of the community. However, the Indians usually do not allow the animals to fight for a long time because death or harm of the condor is interpreted as a sign of misfortune to the community.

  • Peruvian Indians show a captured Andean condor before the Yawar Fiesta, a ritual fight between the condor and the bull, held in the mountains of Apurímac, Cotabambas, Peru, 28 July 2012. The Yawar Fiesta (Feast of Blood), an indigenous tradition which dates back to the time of the conquest, consists basically of an extraordinary bullfight in which three protagonists take part - a wild condor, a wild bull and brave young men of the neighboring communities. The captured condor, a sacred bird venerated by the Indians, is tied in the back of the bull which is carefully selected for its strength and pugnacity. A condor symbolizes the native inhabitants of the Andes, while a bull symbolically represents the Spanish invaders. Young boys, chasing the fighting animals, wish to show their courage in front of the community. However, the Indians usually do not allow the animals to fight for a long time because death or harm of the condor is interpreted as a sign of misfortune to the community.

  • A Peruvian peasant, holding a trumpet, walks on the bullring before the Yawar Fiesta, a ritual fight between the condor and the bull, held in the mountains of Apurímac, Cotabambas, Peru, 29 July 2012. The Yawar Fiesta (Feast of Blood), an indigenous tradition which dates back to the time of the conquest, consists basically of an extraordinary bullfight in which three protagonists take part - a wild condor, a wild bull and brave young men of the neighboring communities. The captured condor, a sacred bird venerated by the Indians, is tied in the back of the bull which is carefully selected for its strength and pugnacity. A condor symbolizes the native inhabitants of the Andes, while a bull symbolically represents the Spanish invaders. Young boys, chasing the fighting animals, wish to show their courage in front of the community. However, the Indians usually do not allow the animals to fight for a long time because death or harm of the condor is interpreted as a sign of misfortune to the community.