Touristic Calendar

January
6 Slope of Kings. (Cusco-Ollantaytambo)
This festivity coincides with the change of authority or Mayor. The new mayor takes a stick with a silver top that symbolizes the control. In the procession, they leave images of Jesus and San Isidro Labrador. Later in the afternoon, there is a bullfight.

February
1,10 La Virgen de la Candelaria.- (Puno)
This is one of the most important religious celebrations in Puno. Approximately 60 groups come from diverse places and dance with colorful typical suits. It is a show full of grace, beauty, enthusiasm and a lot of color.

Carnival festivals. (Acora, Cusco)
Acora: The Aymaras have a dance competition in the month of February. The celebration takes place at Acora, located 35 Km from Lake Titicaca. These dances show their close relationship with nature.
Cusco: In Cusco, Pukllay, or game in Quechua, takes place during the month of February. This festival begins with the Jueves de Compadres, Thursday for Godfathers. There are games with flowers, confetti paper and paints where all residents and travelers participate.

March - April
Easter.- (Ayacucho, Cusco)
Ayacucho: Very few towns in the world celebrate Easter with the happiness that is appreciated in this important city in the mountains. The party here goes on for a week. One of the most moving days is on Sacred Wednesday. That night, the main square becomes the main scenery of the festivity.

Cusco: The party in Cusco lasts for one week, where thousands remember the death and resurrection of Christ according to the Christian tradition. The people of Cusco prepare 12 different dishes to remember Jesus’s life.

May
El Señor de Qoyllur Riti. (Cusco)
This is one of the most important manifestations in the Andean religion. Many people in Cusco take a 4 hour pilgrimage to Qoyllur Riti´s sanctuary: the esplanade of Sinakhara, located at 15,000 feet (4,600 meters), where the crowd stops to wash itself in the waters. This is seen as a purification to enter a new dimension, where the energy of the divinities, nature and man converge.

June
Corpus Christi Festivity (Cusco)
Fifteen saints and virgins arrive to the Cathedral in Cusco where they “greet” the body of Christ. The biggest Church Bell of Peru rings in Cusco and that night, many cusqueños prepare 12 dishes, including chicha, beer, bread, and guinea pig.

24 Inti Raymi Party of the Sun(Cusco)
On this day, people come from around Peru to celebrate Inti Raymi at Sacsayhuaman. On this holiday, close to the winter solstice, the people party to call back the sun. Actors are recruited from schools and universities to act out Incan stories and celebrate with traditional songs and dances.

July
15, 21. Mamacha del Carmen Festivity. (Paucartambo)
This is the religious and folkloric celebration in honor of the Virgen del Carmen in Paucartambo. In this town, the sun comes into view over the mountains and creates a magical and almost blinding show. Thousands of people come to Paucartambo every year.

28 Independence Day (Cusco-Cotabambas)
In the town of Cotabambas, the people have a “running with the bulls” on July 28th and 29th. This represents the fight between the Incas and the Spanish conquerors. Locals tie birds to the loin of the bulls to represent the Spanish, leaving the birds to peck at them. Meanwhile, they bring a condor to the highest point of the town to represent setting the Incas free.

National Party (All over the country)
On July 28, 1821, Peru claimed Independence. The celebrations on July 28 include bullfights, bands, sporting events and other activities. However, the biggest attractions are the parades. The most important military parade is carried out in the main avenues of Lima.

August
1.- Tribute to the Pachamama (All over the Andes)
This festival is carried out on August 1 all over the Andes mountain range. Peruvians give offerings to the Pachamama (Mother Earth) like wine, confetti paper, coca leaves and fruits.

September
14 El Señor de Huanca (Cusco)
According to the legend, in 1675, an indigenous miner, Diego Quispe, tried to escape. He found a hiding spot in a cave where Christ’s presence illuminated the entire site, bringing him freedom. Upon hearing this story, a priest in Cusco hired a local painter to paint an image of the scene in the cave. Since then, the people of Cusco have celebrated this story every year on September 14.

October
31 Day of the Creole Music (All over the country)
Celebrated on October 31 every year (especially in Northern Peru) is the day of Creole music. People celebrate this day in bars with live music and eat and drink special foods.

November
1, 2 All Saints’ Day (Cusco)
On November 1 and 2, many people celebrate All Saints’ Day to pray to the deceased. People remember how the deceased were in life by visiting and cleaning their graves, bringing food and drinks and singing their favorite songs beside their tombs. Afterwards, families usually celebrate by eating pork.

December
24 Santurantikuy (Cusco)
On December 24, artisans sell their best work in the main square of Cusco. Locals buy the works, such as miniature animals, trees and dolls. This day is meant to celebrate the living art of the region.