Our 10 favourite Peru festivals
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Inti Raymi
2. Carnaval de Cajamarca
When is Carnaval de Cajamarca? February/March Where is Carnaval de Catamarca? Cajamarca Arguably Peru’s wildest carnival, fun is top of the bill throughout the 5-day celebrations. Known as the ‘Capital of the Peruvian Carnival’, the streets of Cajamarca are awash with colourful parades, water fights and street parties that last for days. This is such a happy and joyful celebration, it’s the perfect way to experience the magic of the Peruvian culture. Consider yourself warned though: you might get a little soggy!
3. La Fiesta Candelaria
When is La Fiesta Candelaria? Early February Where is La Fiesta Candelaria? Puno La Fiesta Candelaria is one of the biggest and most famous festivals in Peru, and the whole of South America put together! Similar in scale, colour and vibrancy to the world-renowned Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, more than 40,000 costumed performers take to the streets to celebrate the Virgin of Candelaria, the patron saint of Puno. With Peruvian music and dance filling the streets, this two-week festival would make an incredible addition to any Peru holiday. So, if you’re thinking of visiting Peru in February, chat to our friendly experts about adding La Fiesta Candelaria celebrations to your itinerary. Explore more on this Quick Escape to Machu Picchu Peru holiday idea4. Peru Independence Day
When is Peru Independence Day? 28th July Where is Peru Independence Day celebrated? All over Peru Peru Independence Day, otherwise known as Fiestas Patrias, is a two-day national holiday commemorating Peru’s liberation from Spanish rule back in 1821. As you can imagine, this is a festival that is packed full of patriotic pride. In Lima the streets come to life with military parades, traditional colourful dancers pop up all over the Andes and flags will be hung outside houses as Peruvians all over the country come together to honour their rich culture and history.
5. Festival of the Virgen del Carmen
When is Virgen del Carmen? Around 16th July every year Where is Virgen del Carmen? Paucartambo, 3 hours east of Cusco Taking part in Paucartambo, 3 hours east of Cusco, the Fiesta de la Virgen del Carmen is one of the top cultural festivals in Peru. A class of Andean and Catholic culture, this festival takes place over three to four days and attracts visitors from all over the country (and the world!) This celebration may be religious in nature, but surprisingly, it’s also one of the most raucous parties of the year in Peru. Animated performers in spectacular costumes act out events across Peruvian history – the highlight being when the Virgin appears to bestow a blessing on the festival goers and banish any demons. With fireworks adding to the celebrations, this festival is a serious party.
6. Mistura Culinary Festival
When is the Mistura Culinary Festival? Early September Where is the Mistura Culinary Festival? Lima If you know anything about our team here at HA, it won’t surprise you for a second that there’s a food festival included on this list. Lima boasts some of the very best restaurants in the whole of South America, so without doubt, Peruvian cuisine is worth celebrating. Time your Peru holiday for early September when the streets of Lima are transformed into one big feasting table. With around 200 restaurants, bars, street food carts and vendors taking part in the tasty celebrations. If you’re a foodie, this delicious Peruvian festival is a must!7. Qeswachaka
When is Qeswachaka? June Where is Qeswachaka? Near the village of Queue, 100 miles from Cusco This quirky festival is one of the most unique on our list. Every June, this four day festival is all focused on one thing – the ancient Incan tradition of bridge building. Every year, the celebrations begin with the take down of the previous year’s bridge, where the locals gather to watch it fall into the river below. Over the coming days, the woman work hard pounding and waving grass to form the fibres that will make the new bridge – while the men work on the handrails and floors. All whilst sipping on chichi (a local delicacy of fermented corn beer) and chowing down on cocoa leaves. It’s a big job, but the atmosphere is light and electric. By the end of the third day, the bridge is finished and ready to cross. Community leaders are the first to cross the new and precarious structure, followed by the local people. Then as you’d expect, day four is one full off feasting, dances and celebrating their accomplishment.8. Christmas in Peru
When is Christmas in Peru? 24th-25th December Where is Christmas celebrated in Peru? All over the country Christmas in Peru, like at home, is a warm and joyful occasion with a focus on family time and tradition. The Peruvian people host their main celebrations on December 24th, with families gathering around a Nativity manger – as opposed to a Christmas tree! Next, a lucky, nominated family member places a figurine of Christ into the manger, and then the Christmas feast commences. The Peruvian Christmas dinner of choice depends on the region, but it can vary from turkey or pig, all the way to fish or even guinea pig! Of course, Santa Claus visits on the night of the 24th, and children across the country wake up on the morning of the 25th to open their presents, enjoy a traditional hot chocolate sweet bread and spend the day celebrating with their families. Treat the family on this 13-day Family Holiday to Peru idea9. Bajada de los Reyes
When is Bajada de los Reyes? January 6th Where is Bajada de los Reyes celebrated? All across Peru Bajada de los Reyes, or the ‘Descent of the Kings’, ‘The Epiphany’ or ‘Three Kings Day’, is celebrated on January 6th every year and marks the end of Peru’s Christmas season. All across the country, towns and cities come alive with parades, traditional music and colourful celebrations. The day is in honour of the three kings and many Andean communities exchange their Christmas gifts on this day. Bajada de los Reyes is celebrated throughout the country, but particularly lively celebrations can be enjoyed in Cusco and the Sacred Valley. If you time your Peru holiday for early January, not only will you be able to witness this festival, but things will have started to calm down after Christmas and you’ll be treated to he delightful summer weather of the Southern Hemisphere, too!
10. Pisco Sour Day
When is Pisco Sour Day? First Saturday in February Were is Pisco Sour Day celebrated? Anywhere and everywhere in Peru Pisco Sours are serious business in Peru. You can’t visit on your Peru holiday without sampling one. And, if you happen to be visiting on the first Saturday in February – you’ve got the perfect excuse to really indulge in the country’s national drink. Made by mixing Pisco (a type of Peruvian brandy made from fermented grape juice), with egg whites, lime juice and sugar. It’s zesty and creamy, and the Peruvians clearly love it enough to create a national holiday around it. And yes, this is an officially legislated cultural holiday in Peru – and so it should be! So, there you have it, 10 vibrant Peru festivals that will give you a real insight into the people and cultures of this South American gem. You might choose to join the colourful celebrations of Inti Raymi, or spend a few days chowing down on some seriously delicious food at Mistura – either way, we can help. A Peru holiday has so much to offer, and our specialists are bursting with all of the local knowledge and experiences needed to craft a holiday that’s perfect for you. Here at Holiday Architects, we take your holidays personally! Request a quick quote to get the ball rolling on your Peru holiday today.
