Takanakuy: Andean traditional fight

• Prize
• Photographer
  Nicolas Villaume , France

“Takanakuy” is a Quechua word mostly meaning “fighting”, and I
also heard overthere “when the blood is boiling”. It reflects very
well whats going on once a year during Christmas time in Santo
Tomas (a remote village in the high Andes, province of
Chumbivilca, Peru) where communities are celebrating this
important ritual fighting. Much more than a violent demonstration,
this tradition has its own history and respectful codes. Above all its
a way to solve their problems between themselves in front of all the
community. For some it is like a sport too where one can show his
strength and courage to the participants and to the different
villages. Famous lineages of family champions have gain respected
names fighting for their honor through generations. For all the
“Takanakuy” is a true catharsis where problems of the year are
getting overcome and solved.

• Awards
  - TEDx talk: "Pictures for actions" - Lima, Peru 2013 - Selected winner of the 2013 Latin American Illustration and American Photography - Performance Awards of Humanity Photo Awards 2013 | People category - Chosen winner of the 2012 American Illustration and American Photography - 3 Honorable Mentions in Editorial, Photoessay and Feature story | International Photography Award 2012 - 1st Prize | Portrait category | HPA Humanity Photo Award 2006 - 2nd Prize | People Category | International Photography Award 2008 NP