Takanakuy, the Andean 'fight club' that clears the air for a new year

Lima: The fighting begins and ends with a hug, part of a singular ritual that has residents of the Peruvian Andes punching and kicking in a year-end fight competition known as Takanakuy.

Before the dueling starts in an open-air arena, male fighters remove their elaborate headgear -- stuffed birds, foxes or even goat heads worn as symbols of strength or to bring good luck.