‘Aura farming’ trend inspired by video games is sweeping Latin America

LIMA, Peru (AP) – Dozens of young individuals gathered lately on a beach in Peru's capital to dance, pose and show off their most creative moves – all in pursuit of one thing: aura.

They were taking part in a so-called "aura battle, " a real-world spin on the Internet trend known as "aura farming" that is sweeping throughout Latin America.

Dressed up as characters from comic books or animated films, competitors engaged in dance battles of sorts, vying for the crowd's applause. Those with the loudest cheers and the most creative moves advanced to the next round. As techno music played in the background, one competitor dressed up as Spider-Man performed forward rolls and push ups. Another hopped on one leg while kicking the other forward, in a move that looked straight from a video game.

"Aura farming is about letting your essence flow in a place where people are watching you, but where there is no shame, " remarked Liam González, a 20-year-old film student who attended dressed up as the movie character Shrek.

Gonzalo Cornelio, 19, came dressed as former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, wearing a grey tracksuit like the one worn by the deposed leader the night he was captured by the U.S. Military.

Taken together, the developments around 'Aura farming' trend inspired by video games is sweeping Latin America point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.