Traveling to Peru is wonderful any time of year, but for those interested in being there for a celebration, you’ve got no shortage of options. Most Peru festivals feature colorful music, dance, and an emphasis on religion and culture, so they’re a treat for the senses.
Peru’s festivals reflect its heritage and rich history, whether in Lima, in Cusco, or one of the villages. You can immerse yourself in the culture and join in the celebration of life in almost every month. Here’s a rundown of the country’s most popular festivals and gatherings, in order of the calendar year. (And remember that for January, The Epiphany—or Three Kings Day—is the 12th day of Christmas.)
FEBRUARY
Virgen de la Candelaria (Begins February 2)
This two-week festival is one of the largest events in the cultural sphere of Peru, the streets of Puno coming alive with music, traditional dance, culture, and parades, all decked out in extravagant colors. Celebrated on the shores of Lake Titicaca, this popular festival gathers visitors from all over, to celebrate the culture of the country through dance and artistic expression.
The Virgen de la Candelaria festival in Peru features about thirty thousand dancers and eight thousand musicians dressed in traditional clothing, with a fusion of indigenous and colonial influences. They move the crowd with their contagious rhythm and overflowing joy, treating guests to a sensory overload of color and art that highlight the rich history and diversity of Peru.
Carnival of Cajamarca (February 10-14)
In what is called “the capital of the Peruvian carnival,” the streets of the city of Cajamarca are transformed in February for the Carnival of Cajamarca. Dancing throughout the Plaza de Armas and down the streets, neighborhood troupes celebrate both Spanish and Andean traditions.
The performance participants sport elaborate, colorful costumes, singing and dancing in celebration. A popular festival with the locals as well as tourists, this energetic gathering has a joyful, enthusiastic spirit
Resonating on and around Valentine’s Day, this festival celebrates love in all forms, from the country’s culture and history to its patrons and their families.
APRIL/MAY
Virgin of Chapi Festival (April 30 – May 2)
Courtesy of Visit Peru
If you’re lucky enough to be near Arequipa at the right time of the year, you’re in for a treat. Known as the patroness of Arequipa, The Virgin of Chapi is celebrated at this festival in a pilgrimage in Polobaya near Arequipa. It’s one of the oldest ceremonies in the religious nature in the country, dating all the way back to 1655.
Around 1709 it had evolved to have a following of devotees. The pilgrimage has woven itself into the fabric of Peruvian religious life, evolving and adapting over the centuries while retaining its spiritual significance.
Each year, people gather to pay homage to the Virgin of Chapi, embarking on a journey that symbolizes both physical and spiritual renewal. The pilgrimage is not merely a religious event but a vibrant celebration of faith, community, and tradition. The main event is May 1, but it bleeds into the day before and after. Ask around about the location as her previous chapel turned to rubble in a 2021 earthquake. See more details here on the Visit Peru site.
JUNE
Inti Raymi (June 24)
Inti Raymi, otherwise known as The Festival of The Sun is celebrated in Inca culture to commemorate harvest season. Hundreds of actors represent their ancestors in celebratory performance, making it known as the biggest festival of the Inca Empire. (Some sources say that this coincides with the winter solstice in South America, but it’s really a few days later.)
Any time is a great time to be in Cusco, Peru in my opinion, but the dry months of May through September are the most popular for a reason. If you’re lucky enough to be in the area in mid-June, you may get to witness the Inti Raymi Festival, one of the greatest in South America.
Although I’ve been to Cusco a couple of times and I’ve caught a Peruvian festival here and there (like this festival in the Colca Canyon), I haven’t witnessed this grandest one of them all. A procession of Inca-costumed participants starts at the Sun Temple, makes its way through Cusco, and ends at the impressive hilltop fortress Sacsayhuaman. Imagine the gold flashing in the sunlight and all the colors of Peru next to walls that appear to be built by superheroes.
Keep in mind that this festival is no secret, so you’ll need to book well in advance or join a group tour that has already made reservations if you expect to stay at luxury Cusco hotels that are famous such as Hotel Monasterio, Inkaterra La Casona, or Nazarenas.
Corpus Christi (May/June)
creative commons photo by Wikipedia
One of the most significant religious festivals in Peru celebrated around 2 months after Easter is Corpus Christi, a religious celebration with processions, dance and art. While it is mostly celebrated in Cusco, festivals take place throughout Peru, having smaller processions than the 15 saints and virgins of the principal celebration
In the days leading up to the festival, the streets of Cusco come alive with a flurry of activity as artisans meticulously craft intricate carpets made from colorful flower petals, grains, and other natural materials. These ornate carpets, known as “alfombras,” adorn the cobblestone streets, creating a mesmerizing tapestry of vibrant hues and intricate patterns.
Enveloped in an atmosphere of anticipation and reverence, the procession winds its way through the narrow streets of Cusco, devotees carrying elaborately adorned statues of saints and virgins on ornate floats, delicately decorated with flowers and candles. This festival is officially listed as May 30 to June 7, but tends to go longer.
Fiesta de San Juan (June 24)
Fiesta de San Juan pays homage to Saint John the Baptist of San Martín, Loreto and Ucayali, the patron saint. The night before the festival, the “blessed bath” takes place where locals bathe themselves in the waters of the riverbanks, purifying themselves spiritually. This ritual holds profound significance, as it symbolizes purification and spiritual renewal. Families and friends gather along the banks, eagerly immersing themselves in the cool, flowing waters.
At the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, amidst the lush greenery and serene waters, participants embark on a journey to seek blessings in the company of pink river dolphins as the legends say, it being believed that the waters are blessed and bring the patrons good fortune until the following year’s festival.
The Fiesta de San Juan is more than just a religious observance; it is a celebration of community, tradition, and spiritual resilience. Through the blessed bath, participants reaffirm their faith, strengthen bonds with their fellow worshippers, and forge a deep connection with the natural world that surrounds them.
JULY
The Feast of Paucartambo (July 15-18)
Photo courtesy of Peru Rail
The Feast of Paucartambo, held annually from July 15th to 18th, is a spectacular celebration that draws thousands of parishioners and visitors from all corners of Peru and beyond.
Visitors and locals honor the Virgin of Carmen in this festival, everyone participating in expressing and celebrating the region’s culture and religion.
The air is filled with the sound of traditional music, as musicians play lively melodies on Andean instruments, adding to the joyous ambiance of the celebration, and dances display cultural fusion and spiritual expression, symbolizing the enduring connection between faith and tradition in Paucartambo.
The festival is a time to come together with family and friends, to share in the joy of faith, and to honor the beloved patroness through its rich tapestry of rituals, music, dance, and devotion.
Independence Day and the Great Military Parade (July 28 – 29)
Peru’s Independence Day momentous occasion that brings the nation together in a jubilant display of patriotism and pride, this annual celebration is marked by a myriad of festivities, parades, and civic events that unfold across the length and breadth of Peru.
Streets are adorned with Peruvian flags, banners, and decorations, while the air is filled with the stirring melodies of national anthems and traditional music. Independence Day is marked by a variety of civic events, including flag-raising ceremonies, speeches by government officials, and cultural performances. These events serve as a platform to reflect on Peru’s history, values, and achievements.
The Great Military Parade of Peru is also part of the Independence Day celebration, its principal parade taking place in Lima. Accompanied by the national police department, army, Air Force and Navy, with other important figureheads present such as the President and ministers.
It pays homage to the courage and sacrifices of the nation’s heroes who fought for freedom, as well as showcasing the strength, discipline, and unity of Peru’s armed forces and security agencies.
Beyond Lima, similar parades are held in other important cities throughout the country, allowing citizens from all regions to join in the celebration of Independence Day. These local parades not only honor the nation’s history and heritage but also foster a sense of pride and unity among Peruvians from beyond Lima.
OCTOBER
Señor de los Milagros (Lord of Miracles)
Wikipedia creative commons photo
This purple-centric festival in Lima is one of the most-attended events centered around religion in the entire continent of South America, dating back to the colonial period and the legacy of a Christ painting in Pachacamilla that survived an earthquake.
The story of the Señor de los Milagros is one of miraculous survival and unwavering faith, as the painting endured, becoming a powerful symbol of hope and divine protection. In today’s day and age, patrons celebrate dressed in purple for the procession in the city streets in the name of tradition and faith.
Street vendors offer an array of traditional Peruvian dishes, providing sustenance and joy to both the faithful and visitors.
The Señor de los Milagros event is more than just a religious procession. It serves as a reminder of the enduring presence of the divine in the lives of the Peruvian people.
Day of Canción Criolla (October 31)
Lying on the same day as Halloween in other countries, Day of Canción Criolla celebrates the region’s traditional Creole music as well as other musical genres, from zamacueca to marinera.
Throughout the festivities, Peruvians come together to revel in melodies and rhythms; the streets come alive with the sound of music as live performances, concerts, and festivals take center stage in cities and towns across the nation.
There are many live performances and festivals within the holiday, Peruvians celebrating pride for their country and its legacy through music and history. Providing an opportunity for Peruvians to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of their musical heritage, it celebrates the songs and dances that have been passed down through generations. It is a time to honor the contributions of legendary musicians and composers who have shaped the music scene, as well as to discover new talents who are carrying on the tradition.
NOVEMBER
All Saints Day (November 1)
Similar to the Day of The Dead, All Saints Day on November 1 celebrates the past lives of the dead. Local families will visit the graves of their loved ones at cemeteries, leaving offerings of anything from flowers and decorations to keepsakes and letters. It’s celebrated throughout the country, but mostly in Piura and Cajamarca
The atmosphere in cemeteries on All Saints Day is one of reverence and contemplation, as people gather to pray, reminisce, and share stories about their loved ones. The candlelight casts a warm glow over the graves, creating a serene ambiance that invites introspection and reflection. Through the rituals of All Saints Day, Peruvians reaffirm their connection to their ancestors and their belief in the continuity of life beyond death. It is a day of remembrance, gratitude, and hope, as people honor the memory of their loved ones and find comfort in the knowledge that they are always with them in spirit.
Where to stay? See our reviews of the best Peru luxury hotels.
Article by Alina Leffel and edited by Timothy Scott. Top photo and featured shot by Scott, others as indicated.
