Young people across Latin America are gathering in public spaces to compete in so-called "aura battles," a viral phenomenon in which participants try to prove who has the most charisma.
Competitions took place on Sunday in Santiago, Chile, and Mexico City, where participants faced off before crowds of spectators.
In an "aura battle", participants face off head-to-head, using poses, expressions, popular dance moves, gestures, accessories, outfits and other attention-grabbing tactics to distinguish themselves from their rivals and win the crowd's approval.
The term “farming aura” stems from gaming slang. “Farming” refers to repeatedly carrying out actions in a game to accumulate experience, resources or rewards.
In aura battles, the audience decides the winner, judging which participant displays the greatest confidence, style or charisma. Spectators signal their choice through applause, shouting.
"An aura battle is very similar to what was done before, which were freestyle or breakdance battles, which are basically a way of expressing yourself physically. Also a way we now have to connect with each other as young people," explained Chilean aura farmer Alonso Cortez.
Aura battles have been reported in countries including Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Bolivia and Chile, according to media.
In Santiago, young people gathered outside a shopping centre and showcased their strongest displays of "aura" before an enthusiastic crowd. The prize included food vouchers, a trophy and 250,000 Chilean pesos, worth about $268, in addition to the recognition of spectators.