Some Peruvians get punches instead of presents as part of a regional tradition to settle scores on Christmas Day

Entire towns participate in the event, including men, women and even children.

Locals gather in spaces dedicated to the event and announce who they want to fight with.

While the fighting is open to people of any age and gender, some traditionalists disapprove of women participating in Takanakuy, although the numbers of female participants are increasing in recent years, according to The New York Times.

The types of disputes that lead to the fisticuffs vary – ranging from personal conflicts over romance or friendship to legal issues such as territorial disputes.

The purpose of the festival is to help locals resolve conflicts and strengthen community bonds.

The festival's goal is to bring peace to the community, so fights begin and end with a hug, according to The New York Times.

"People wonder, 'Why December 25, a day of peace?' But there's a social meaning to it. Precisely that of settling conflicts and as a form of social catharsis," a local told a Vice News documentary.

He also said the festival allowed locals to take justice into their own hands rather than solely being administered by "powerful people."

Participants can punch and kick but are not allowed to jump on top of their opponents or continue to hit them when they are on the ground.

Attendees wear traditional outfits and costumes, often involving horse-riding gear like chaps and colorful ski masks.

A lot of alcohol is consumed by fighters and spectators, according to multiple accounts. This begins in the days before the event and continues on the day, with the fighters often heavily inebriated.

Dancers open the event by performing traditional Andean music called "Huaylia," which involves a chorus being played on a loop.

It is unclear when and how the festival began, but some suggest it originated in colonial times when the Spanish would make their slaves fight, according to La Republica.