The community of Chumbilbilca, a province located Southeast of Cusco, Peru maintains a very peculiar end of the year tradition.
Before the new year arrives, fist fights are held in order to release tensions, settle scores and vent any personal problems that have built up over the year amongst members of the community. The thought is, if you solve your problems with your neighbor by hitting him, you can then start the new year focused on more positive things.
Men, women and children take place in the fist fighting festivities known as Takanakuy, where despite the brutal look of it, serious injuries rarely happen, and the community ends the day with a celebratory dance.
