Carnivals (Carnavales) are widespread throughout Peru in the weeks before Easter. In the capital, Lima, carnival is celebrated with street parties, concerts and the gleeful throwing of water-filled balloons at friends and unsuspecting passers-by. In Andean towns, carnival is a notably festive occasion, in contrast to the more solemn traditions more usual in the highlands. Parades, dancing, street festivals and huge water fights can be found across the country as people celebrate with abandoned joy.Prepared to get wet! No-one is spared!!