The World’s Most Dangerous Cultural Traditions

Takanakuy

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Takanakuy is Quechua for the phrase “to hit each other.” It is an established annual tradition that occurs among the inhabitants of Chumbivilcas Province, near Cuzco, Peru. On December 25, the townspeople come together where individuals or groups fight one another to settle old conflicts from throughout the year.

There is dancing, people wearing extravagant outfits, and people beating each other to a pulp on the side. Although there are some rules to the fights, for the most part, it’s fierce hand-to-hand combat until there is a clear winner. It provides the fighters and community with a clean slate for the upcoming year.