Looking for a unique adventure? Peru’s festivals offer the perfect chance to experience its rich traditions. As a traveler seeking authentic experiences, you might find it hard to choose where to start.
We’re here to show you Peru’s top festivals with expert tips for making the most of your visit.
Explore these must-see festivals in Peru:
- Inti Raymi: Celebrating the Inca Sun God
- Qoyllur Rit’i: A blend of Andean and Catholic traditions
- Virgen de la Candelaria: Religious and cultural festivities in Puno
Read on to learn more about these unforgettable experiences. With our guide, you’ll discover the rich culture of Peru and make lasting memories along the way.
Festivals in Peru: Cusco Highlights
Festivals in Peru, especially in Cusco, focus on lively celebrations deeply rooted in the region’s culture and history. These festivals showcase Peru’s rich heritage and traditions from the Andean people.
1. Inti Raymi
Time & Location: Inti Raymi is celebrated on June 24th each year. It marks the winter solstice and the Inca New Year when the days begin to get longer. The festival was once the most important event for the Inca Empire in Cusco.
After the Spanish arrived, the festival was banned, but in 1944, it was brought back and is now held annually at Sacsayhuamán, just outside Cusco.
Event Details: Inti Raymi honors Inti, the Sun God, who was the most important god for the Inca people. The festival used to last nine days with dances, processions, and sacrifices to Pachamama for a good harvest. It started in 1412 but ended in 1535 when the Spanish banned it.
Today, the festival is celebrated at three main sites: Qorikancha Temple, Plaza de Armas, and Sacsayhuamán. Over 800 actors perform dances, rituals, and plays to show Inca traditions. The festival also connects with the Christian feast of Saint John the Baptist.
Inti Raymi is the second-largest festival in South America. Every year, people from around the world visit to experience this lively mix of Inca traditions and modern performances.
2. Qoyllur Rit’i
Time & Location: Qoyllur Rit’i, also called Quyllurit’i, is a festival held each year in Sinakara Valley, Cusco, Peru. It happens in late May or early June, around the full moon, just before Corpus Christi.
Event Details: Qoyllur Rit’i celebrates the Pleiades (or Qullqa in Quechua). The festival marks the Andean New Year during the Winter Solstice in June. It also has Catholic elements, honoring the Lord of Quyllurit’i.
The story tells of a young herder, Mariano Mayta, who died after his friend Manuel turned into a bush with a crucifix. A shrine was built in Mariano’s honor.
Thousands of people come together to celebrate, bringing dancers and musicians. The festival includes dancing, singing, and holy processions. A special moment happens when the sun rises after the Pleiades are visible. Many people kneel to greet the sun’s first light.
In the past, the Ukukus would climb glaciers for ice, believing it had healing powers. But now, due to melting glaciers, this practice is no longer possible. However, the festival continues with its mix of Catholic and indigenous traditions.
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Festivals in Peru: Puno Highlights
Festivals in Peru, particularly in Puno, are known for their bright and energetic celebrations, often connected to the region’s indigenous roots. These events highlight the culture of the area and attract both locals and visitors.
3. Virgen de la Candelaria
Time & Location: The Virgen de la Candelaria festival is celebrated every February in Puno, Peru. It lasts for two weeks, starting around the 2nd of February. The main events are focused on the Virgen de la Candelaria, also known as Our Lady of Candelaria.
Event Details: The Virgen de la Candelaria festival combines both religious and cultural traditions. It blends Catholic practices with Andean beliefs. The festival starts with an early morning mass, followed by a purification ceremony. The next day, there is a religious procession where the Virgin’s image is carried through the streets with music and dancing.
Two main contests are held during the festival. These bring together dancers and musicians from many parts of the region. Most participants belong to the Quechua and Aymara groups. Many people who moved away from Puno return to join the celebration, keeping the tradition alive.
Three regional groups help organize the event and teach younger generations dance, music, and mask-making skills.
The festival is known for its colorful dances. One of the most famous dances is the Diablada, which tells the story of the battle between good and evil. The festival concludes with a ceremony for the Virgin, a parade, and final masses. This marks the end of the festival.
Festivals in Peru: Lima Highlights
Festivals in Peru are also popular in Lima, the capital city, which holds many events blending both old and new traditions. These festivals feature cultural performances, food, and celebrations that capture the lively spirit of the city.
4. Lord of Miracles
Time & Location: The Lord of Miracles festival takes place every October in Lima, Peru. The main event is a large religious parade. Because of this, October is often called the “purple month.”
Event Details: The Lord of Miracles, or Señor de los Milagros, is one of Peru’s most important religious events. It honors a painting of Jesus on the cross. An enslaved African artist created it in the 1600s. People believe it has special meaning because it survived several earthquakes while most of Lima was destroyed.
During the festival, thousands of people take part in a grand parade. They carry the image of Jesus on a decorated platform. Many wear purple robes, release balloons, and throw flowers. The parade stops in the main plaza, where leaders like the President and the Mayor pay their respects. The streets are filled with music, prayers, and celebration.
People also enjoy special foods like “mazamorra morada” (sweet purple pudding) and “Turrón de Doña Pepa” (a traditional dessert). Another event, “The Fair of the Lord of Miracles,” is a well-known bullfighting competition. It has been held since the 1940s and brings top bullfighters from different places.
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5. Mistura
Time & Location: Mistura is the largest food festival in South America. It takes place every year in Lima, usually in September. The festival lasts for ten days.
Event Details: Mistura celebrates Peruvian food. It started in 2008 to honor Peru’s cooking traditions. Over time, it has made Lima famous for its amazing food. People from all over come to try dishes made by top chefs.
The festival has many food stalls offering traditional dishes like ceviche, Anticuchos, and Lomo Saltado. There are also stands with fresh bread, fruits, and desserts. Cooking shows, food contests, and live performances are part of the fun.
The name “Mistura” means “mixture” in Portuguese, representing Peru’s blend of food traditions. It’s a great place to taste and learn about Peruvian cuisine.
Festivals in Peru: Cajamarca Highlights
Festivals in Peru, especially in Cajamarca, feature some of the most important events in the country. These celebrations reflect the area’s history and combine religious, cultural, and local traditions, showcasing the spirit of the community.
6. Carnival in Cajamarca
Time & Location: The Carnival of Cajamarca takes place every February, just before Lent. The festival lasts for several days and is held in the city of Cajamarca in northern Peru.
Event Details: The Carnival of Cajamarca is known for its bright colors and lively celebrations. It mixes Andean traditions with European influences. The festival started in colonial times when local customs blended with Catholic practices. It honors Pachamama, the Earth goddess, and celebrates the connection between people and nature.
Before the Spanish arrived, Andean communities celebrated planting and harvest times with music, dance, and ceremonies. After the Spanish came, they changed the celebrations to fit the Catholic calendar. This is how the carnival became linked to Lent.
During the carnival, there are big parades with colorful costumes and traditional dances. People also play with water and foam to show their happiness and unity. Everyone wears costumes that represent their community, making the carnival a joyful event for all.
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Festivals in Peru: Trujillo Highlights
Festivals in Peru, especially in Trujillo, are major cultural events that include dance and music competitions. These celebrations highlight the region’s traditions and the pride the locals have for their cultural identity.
7. Marinera Festival
Time & Location: The Trujillo Marinera Festival takes place every January, usually in the last week. It lasts for several days.
Event Details: The Trujillo Marinera Festival is one of Peru’s most important cultural events. It celebrates marinera, a traditional dance from the city and the country. The main event is a dance competition, where dancers from Peru and other countries compete. Many tourists come to see the contest.
The festival also features parades through the historic streets of Trujillo, ending in the main square. There are also performances by the Peruvian Paso horses, which are a big part of Peruvian culture.
The festival begins with the crowning of a queen who represents the Marinera Festival. Other cultural activities take place throughout the event, with music, dancing, and the joy of celebrating Peru’s traditions.
Festivals in Peru: Amazon Region Highlights
Festivals in Peru’s Amazon region celebrate events closely tied to nature and local beliefs. These festivals reflect the strong connection between the people and the rainforest, honoring the traditions of the Amazonian tribes.
8. Fiesta de San Juan
Time & Location: Fiesta de San Juan takes place every year on June 24th in the Amazon region of Peru. It celebrates the birth of St. John the Baptist.
Event Details: Fiesta de San Juan is a fun and exciting celebration in Peru. It honors St. John, who baptized Jesus. The festival was brought to Peru by Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century. Over time, it combined with local traditions from the Amazon.
Before this, Peruvians celebrated Inti Raymi, the Festival of the Sun, in June. Later, these traditions merged with Fiesta de San Juan, which happens on June 24th, St. John’s birthday.
A special part of the festival is the “blessed bath.” People go to rivers to purify themselves. In Loreto, they do this in the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, where pink river dolphins live. People believe that St. John blesses the water on this day, bringing health and happiness for the year.
The festival also includes music, dancing, and parades. People have water fights, splashing each other with river water. They also enjoy traditional Amazonian food like fish and plantains.
Festivals in Peru: A Recap
Festivals in Peru are full of excitement and color. They celebrate the country’s culture and traditions. From the lively Fiesta de San Juan in the Amazon to the fun Marinera Festival in Trujillo, each festival is unique.
The Carnival of Cajamarca blends Andean and European customs, while Mistura lets you enjoy amazing Peruvian food.
These festivals help bring Peru’s history to life. They let you connect with the spirit of the country. Whether through music, dance, or food, there’s always something to enjoy. Attending these festivals is a great way to feel the warmth and energy of Peru.