Why Do People Chop Trees at Peru’s Carnivals?
Peruvians love Carnival as much as the rest of Latin America. There are parades, music, and partying, and keep an eye out for people throwing water balloons. Part of the Peruvian tradition at Carnival is to soak their fellow humans. You may see folks dressed as devils who surprise people on the streets, often under the direction of an overseer called a caporal. Also, look for trees with presents in their branches. Called Yunzas, people take turns chopping at these present-laden trees to grab a gift or try to hook one down using a stick.