Annual Peruvian Slugfest Irons Out Conflicts Before New Year

It's just another Christmas Day in Chumbilbilca, Peru - a time for residents to take part in public punch-ups.

It's a cleansing ritual - a way of settling scores before the New Year.

Unidentified fighting festival official, saying:

"We will show our ability, that strength, that talent, that courage of being Chumbibilcano."

Even though some fighters have to be whipped to stop, there aren't usually any serious injuries and the winners are serenaded in a dance.

But not everyone is willing to brush aside their grudge after a short scrap. Credit: Reuters.