Village hold bloody grudge match tradition as they brawl on Christmas Day

Christmas can often be a time for long-held resentments to come bubbling to the surface, as people squash into relatives’ houses for an annual family get-together, often with a few drinks inside them.

But in the Peruvian province of Chumbivilcas, that tradition is taken to a spectacular extreme.

The festival of Takanakuy involves eating and drinking, music and dancing… and a series of no-holds-barred punch-ups.

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Anyone who has been nursing a grudge over the previous 12 months can call out another villager’s name, the fighters wrap their knuckles in cloth. and the two step into a circle and have it out.

A referee is on hand to ensure that no permanent damage is done and villagers often wear colourful ski masks or other disguises so employees can take on their bosses with no fear of recriminations.

The fight ends when one of the participants is knocked out, or the referee decides they’re too injured to continue. The punch-ups usually last a few minutes, and participants are generally handed an alcoholic drink afterwards, to take the edge off any pain.

Meanwhile, onlookers are kept under control by assistant referees carrying whips.

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Some fights are related to property disputes, or romantic rivalries. Some of the fights, especially later in the day, begin just because villagers are somewhat tipsy and just fancy a scrap.

As well as ski masks, participants frequently wear leather chaps, and it's traditional to pin a dead bird to a hat.

There's also a variety of "character" costumes to choose from, including a lobster and cowboy.

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Originally, the scraps were exclusively between men but increasingly women are stepping into the ring to settle scores on Christmas Day. Every fight — whether it involves men, women or children — begins and ends with a friendly hug or a handshake.

Particularly impressive fighters can earn great honour and prestige, but backing down from a fight is not considered an option.

In the local Quechua language, Takanakuy means “when the blood is boiling”. While many rural traditions tend to fade away with increasing urbanisation, Takanakuy is beginning to spread into Peru’s cities.

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Once the fights are over, Peruvians say they can move into the new year free from any simmering hostility they might have been feeling towards their neighbour.

One local, Victor Jaime Mantilla, told Vice magazine: “This is a way to maintain order in Chumbivilcas. A lot of districts around here don't have police stations. It's one of the first things they should have in a zone like this, but there's nothing because this is how laws are regulated here …

“Before, justice in Chumbivilcas was solely administered by powerful people, people from the community always lost their case. What can I do with a justice like that? I'd rather have my own justice in public".

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“It's a way for the people to speak up," Victor added, "It's like we solve it here and we start something new, but in peace”.

Fighters frequently enjoy a drink together when the battle is over, and in rural Peruvian communities that have no police force or other government structure Takanakuy is said to be the key for a harmonious society.

The Daily Star does not recommend drunken punch-ups as part of a healthy Christmas, but we would like to extend our best wishes to readers however they plan to spend the day.

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