#perufestivals

The best way to get to know and understand the customs and culture of a country is to take part in its festivals and celebrations. Peru is a country rich in its diversity, where travelers can enjoy thousand-year-old customs shaped by the beliefs and practices of the ancient Peruvians; the Spanish conquerors; and the descendants of the Africans, Asians, and Europeans who came to Peru along the way.

Here is a list of the most interesting and relevant festivals and celebrations that take place in Southern Peru:

Lima:

Lima City Anniversary Celebration: Takes place on January 18, but several activities are organized during that week

National Contest of the Peruvian Horse: Taking place in Pachacamac during the month of April, it congregates the best specimens of this breed.

“El Señor de los Milagros”: This Catholic celebration takes place in downtown Lima during the month of October (18, 19 and 28).

Ica:

International Grape Harvest Festival: Takes place in the city of Ica during the first or second week of March. (Dates can change.)

Ica City Anniversary Celebration: Takes place on June 17, but several activities are organized during the week before and after the main day.

Arequipa:

Arequipa City Anniversary Celebration: Takes place on August 15, but several activities are organized during the entire month.

Wititi Dance: Takes place in the town of Yanque from the 6th to the 12th of December. The main day is the 8th, when the Day of the Immaculate Conception is celebrated.

Cusco:

Replacement of the Q’eswachaca Inca Bridge: Takes place during the first week of June. Every year a new bridge is built to replace the existing one, still maintaining the techniques and practices first used by the Incas. 

The Lord of Q’oyllur Ritti: Taking place in the district of Ocongate, this is one of the best examples of the syncretism of the Andean and Catholic beliefs and practices. Celebration dates change every year.

Inti Raymi Festival: Taking place on June 24 every year, it is the most important celebration in the city of Cusco. 700 people reenact this Inca celebration to their deity, the Sun.

Puno:

Candelaria Festival: Taking place in February in the city of Puno, this celebration lasts 18 days starting with the first day of the month. The second day of the month is the most important one as it congregates hundreds of dancers and musicians to commemorate the Virgen of “La Candelaria.”

Aimara New Year: Takes place on June 21 at the Huajsapata Hill in the city of Puno, where locals commemorate the winter solstice.