Punch ups in Peru as community settles scores

Members of the Chumbilbilca community, near Cusco, Peru, have taken to one-on-one brawls in an annual tradition to settle the score in mutual disputes ahead of the New Year.

The celebration saw men, women and children participating in the fighting festival, known as Takanakuy, which aims to air grievances and vent personal problems that might have built up over the year.

Takanakuy combines the native words 'takay', fight and 'nakuy', mutual and is celebrated yearly here in what community members say strengthens relationships.

The fights are watched over by local authorities and referees mediate the bare-knuckled fights designed to allow people to let off steam from personal or economic problems.

Despite the blows, serious injuries rarely come out of the festival. Fighters usually just suffer a few bumps and bruises.

Most of the time, the sparring ends with hugs and smiles among friends. Hard feelings set aside, the day wrapped up with a celebratory dance.