Chumbivilcas

The province of Chumbivilcas was created by the decree of June 21, 1825. The scope of its territory is in the high river watersheds of the rivers Velille and Santo Tomás, dominated by the impressive snow-cavered summit Huanso. The province has an extension of 5,371.08 km ² and a population of 73,109 inhabitants (projection to year 2000), distributed in its 8 districts: Santo Tomás, Capacmarca, Colquemarca, Chamaca, Livitaca, Llusco, Quiñota and Velille.

The capital of the province is the town of Santo Tomás, located at the border of the river that has the same name, at 3,660 meters above sea level. The word “chumbivilcas” comes, according to the tradition, from the quechua voices chumpi, that means “chestnut tree”, and from willca, “invincible”.

Among its attractions highlights the thermal waters of Qoñiuno and the church of Santo Tomás. The people from Chumbivilcas are remarkable creators of huaynos and recognized guitarists, as well as spontaneous bullfigthers by tradition. One of its more significant traditions is the staging of the battle of Toqto, that is made on December 8 between the communities of Pisequeccocha and Chaupibamba, as a way of a ritual battle like part of the celebration of the Immaculate Conception. Its origin is uncertain, but it is related to the old pre-Columbian ritual battles ofering blood to the Earth. The present version is quite bloody, because stone projectiles are used leaving every year many seriously hurt participants.