Takanakuy: Heavyweights and Andean Grit / Pesos Pesados y la Reciedumbre Andina
Two Andean titans facing off, a display of pure strength and tradition.
English
Hello, my dear friends from the Black and White community.
Continuing with the Takanakuy series, it’s time to show the brutality of the second fight: a true heavyweight clash. I have no idea who they were, but these two fighters were massive—well over 100 kilos each. The Andean man is known for being tough, solid, and sturdy, forged by hard field work and ancestral customs. They have incredible endurance.
As the beer started to take effect, these two characters—with who knows what personal issues between them—met in the ring. I approached one while he was getting his hands wrapped; seeing his size, I knew a legendary fight was coming. It didn’t disappoint. The punches never stopped—one after another from both sides. Neither touched the ground; it felt like being at a live UFC event! In the end, it was declared a draw. I didn't stay until the very end because the festival location is somewhat dangerous and far from the city. While I felt safe inside the venue, the streets are a different story. In my city, Lima, there are areas where if you don't know your way around, you're at risk, and I would never gamble with my photography gear. Interestingly, after the battle, the fighters usually drink together, finally putting their problems to rest.
"Peace, Love, and Unity. Best vibes to everyone."
¡Kachkaniraqmi! (Quechua: Until we meet again)
Español
Hola mis queridos amigos de la comunidad Blanco y Negro.
Siguiendo con el Takanakuy, me toca presentar la brutalidad de la segunda pelea: una lucha de pesos pesados. No tengo idea de quiénes eran, pero estos dos grandes peleadores pesaban más de 100 kilos; no eran pequeños. El hombre andino se caracteriza por ser recio, duro y macizo, acostumbrado al trabajo de campo y con mucho aguante por sus costumbres.
Mientras las cervezas hacían su trabajo, llegó la hora de que estos dos personajes se encontraran para resolver quién sabe qué problemas personales. Me acerqué a uno mientras lo vendaban y, al ver su tamaño, supe que se venía una pelea de aquellas. No me defraudó: los golpes no pararon nunca, uno tras otro de ambos lados. Ninguno tocaba el piso; ¡me sentía en la misma UFC! Al final se declaró un empate. No me quedé hasta el cierre porque la fiesta es en un lugar algo peligroso y alejado de la ciudad. En el local me sentía seguro, pero en la calle no; en Lima, mi ciudad, hay zonas donde si no conoces "pierdes", y mis equipos fotográficos no se arriesgan jamás. Al final, los peleadores suelen beber juntos y así cierran sus problemas.
"PAZ, AMOR Y UNIDAD. Buenas vibras a todos."
¡Kachkaniraqmi! (Quechua: Hasta que nos volvamos a encontrar)
📸 Photo Gallery / Galería Fotográfica
"The ritual of wrapping hands: preparing for a high-impact battle."
"Two heavyweights standing their ground. No one hits the floor."
"Capturing the joy and the finer details of the Takanakuy festivities it is not only about the fighti."
Thanks for being part of this ongoing #MonoMad Challenge adventure! This is my entry for the #Monomad Challenge, hosted by 
Technical Details 📸
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Photographer |  |
| Camera | Sony A7III |
| Lens | Sigma art 24mm-70mm f/2.8 |
| Location | Cusco, Perú |
| Editing | Lightroom |
