Your Guide to Festivals in Peru

There are so many reasons to visit Peru. For starters, there’s the iconic ancient city of Machu Picchu to explore, the majestic Amazon rainforest to trek through and the quaint, cobbled side streets that wind their way around Cusco. But, if you can time your visit to coincide with one of the colourful, flamboyant and traditional celebrations we hugely recommend it. Peru’s festivals are considered to be some of the best celebrations of culture in the whole world, and what better way to get a real, authentic flavour of Peruvian culture?

The Peruvian people love a party! There’s said to be more than 3,000 traditional Peruvian festivals that take place every calendar year and (although, we haven’t counted them), knowing Peru, that sounds feasible to us! From the celebration of the Sun God at Inti Raymi, to a celebration of Pisco Sour, Peru’s national drink, here are our 10 favourite Peru festivals. 

Our 10 favourite Peru festivals

1. Inti Raymi 

When is Inti Raymi? Every year on June 24th, during the winter solstice

Where Is Inti Raymi? Cusco

Inti Raymi is one of the most special, iconic and important festivals in Peru’s cultural calendar. The cobbled streets of Cusco erupt into celebration as the local people pay tribute to Inti, the Sun God. The events kick off at the Temple of the Sun in the centre of Cusco, before moving through the streets to Sacsayhuaman – an ancient archaeological site perched above the city. Tourists are so welcome here, making it a really popular celebration to try and time your Peru holiday for. So do get in touch early if experiencing the Inti Raymi Festival is on your Peru Wishlist. 

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 idea

4. 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 idea

9. 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.