JANUARY
Marinera Festival
The Marinera, La Libertad
La Libertad Region
Location: city of Trujillo (34 masl / 112 fasl).
Climate: mild and warm.
Average temperature: 19ºC (66ºF).
DESCRIPTION: The Mansiche Arena in
Trujillo is the stage for the National Marinera Contest, the most elegant by couples dance
in Peru. Different categories and choreographic styles are judged. Both dancers swirl
while waving a white kerchief and executing a number of characteristic steps. The made
dancer wears a poncho and a hat, and if riding horse back, he does so on a Peruvian Paso
horse. His lady wears a beautiful typical regional dress.
HOW TO GET THERE: By plane: daily flights
from Lima to Trujillo (1 h). By road: 560 km / 348 miles (8 h) from Lima through the North
pan-American Highway.
FEBRUARY
Virgen de la
Candelaria
Puno Region. Location: city of Puno (3808 masl
/ 12493 fasl).
February / first half
Climate: dry and cold.
Average temperature: 10ºC (50ºF). During 18 days the city of Puno, on the shores of lake
Titicaca, becomes the folklore capital of the Americas.
DESCRIPTION: On the central day, the
Virgin parades the city in a colorful procession, followed by more than 200 bands of
musicians and a similar number of groups who dance around the city and compete for prizes
in the local stadium. The festivity is related to the pre-Hispanic farming cycles of
planting and harvesting (worshipping Pachamama or Mother Earth), as well as with the
region’s mining activity.
HOW TO GET THERE: By plane: from Lima and
Arequipa to Juliaca (Puno). By train: Cusco - Puno train (10 h). By road: from Cusco,
Arequipa and Lima.
Carnivals
Location: All over Peru.
Date: February / March
Peruvian carnivals are marked by the festive character of Andean areas, which regularly
break with their solemn traditions.
Beyond regional variations, a common
characteristic of nearly the entire highland chain is the ritual of the yunza, called
umisha in the jungle and cortamonte on the coast. It involves artificially planting a tree
trunk laden with gifts, around which the guests dance until it is chopped with a machete
or an ax. The couple who make the final hack that brings down the tree will then both be
in charge of organizing the yunza next year. Peruvians across the country are extremely
fond of tossing buckets of water at each other during this festival, so onlookers would be
wise to take precautions. Cities where carnivals reach a high point include Cajamarca,
Puno and Ayacucho.
MARCH
Wine Festival
Location: Ica
Date: March (2nd week)
This festival is a celebration of the
abundance of grapes and wine in the region of Ica (a four-hour drive south of Lima), where
persevering efforts in local vineyards have spread greenery across vast tracts of once
bone-dry desert.
The Wine Festival (Festival de la
Vendimia) involves fairs, competitions, processions of floats, musical festivals and
parties where guests dance the Afro-Peruvian festejo.
One of the major attractions of the event
is the Queen of the Wine Festival beauty pageant. Accompanied by her hand-maidens, the
beauty queen treads grapes in a vat in the time-honored tradition to extract the juice
that will eventually be fermented. Apart from the delicious local sweets known as tejas,
made from pecans or candied fruits, filled with caramel and covered with sugar icing,
those attending the event can try pisco, the aromatic and tasty grape brandy that
originated in this part of southern Peru four centuries ago.
APRIL
Peruvian Paso
Horse Festival
SITE: Metropolitan Lima
April / May
Location: Mamacona, district of Pachacámac (75 masl / 246 fasl).
Climate: humid and warm.
Average temperature: 19ºC (66ºF)
DESCRIPTION: The contest takes place in
Mamacona, at the foot of the pre-Inca Pachacamac oracle. The Peruvian Paso horse is a
breed of Spanish and Berber races that took 300 years. Its gait is a series of
synchronized movements of the front and rear legs in parallel fashion, a trait that has
made it one of the most beautiful and elegant horses in the world.
HOW TO GET THERE: By road: Pachacámac,
30 km / 19 miles south of Lima, in the detour to Lurín, south highway.
Easter Week
Location: Ayacucho
Date: 2nd half of March-1st week of April
Easter week represents the peak of
religious sentiment for the people of the Andes. The departmental capital of Ayacucho, San
Cristóbal de Huamanga, located in the central Andes at an altitude of 2,761 meters above
sea level, celebrates one of the most intense portrayals of the passion, death and
resurrection of Christ.
The week starts out with the entry of
Jesus into the city riding on a donkey. On Wednesday, the images of the Virgin Mary and
Saint John are paraded in fervent processions through streets carpeted with flower petals
until they meet up with the litter bearing the image of Christ, whom they
"greet" in the main square. On the evening of Holy Friday, the lights of the
city wink out to give way to the Christ of Calvary. The image sets out from the Monastery
of Santa Clara in a procession through the streets on a litter strewn with white roses,
followed by the grieving Virgin Mary and lines of men and women strictly dressed in
mourning bearing lit candles. The litter, which features thousands of white candles, is
simply magnificent.
The litter is then accompanied with
prayers and songs throughout the night until the three-hour sermon is delivered on
Saturday. After days of grieving, Resurrection Sunday takes on a festive air, Christ is
resurrected and appears once more on his litter and is carried through the streets.
MAY
Virgen de Chapi
May / 1
Arequipa Region
Location: Chapi (2420 masl / 7940 fasl).
Climate: dry and semi-cold.
Average temperature: 14°C (57°F).
DESCRIPTION: Pilgrimage crossing the
Arequipa desert to worship the Virgin of Purification or Virgin of Chapi. The pilgrims
carry rocks of different sizes they will leave before Chapi, making the so-called
apachetas, symbolizing the devotes’ sins. In a night-long wake, the image of the
miraculous Virgin is surrounded by candles to then leave in procession. There are also
fireworks and typical foods.
HOW TO GET THERE: By road: Chapi, 76 km /
47 miles southeast of Arequipa. There is bus access, but some pilgrims prefer to go on
foot (1 hour walk approx.)
Lord of Muruhuay
May
Junín Region
Location: Shalacoto hill (2959 masl / 9708 fasl), Acobamba, 12 km from Tarma.
Climate: mild.
Average temperature: 14ºC (57ºF).
DESCRIPTION: The image of the Crucified
Lord, painted on the skirts of the Shalacoto hill, is worshipped on this date by thousands
of pilgrims. Some old rites to worship water, earth and rocks have survived in this
celebration. On the central day a solemn Mass is celebrated in Quechua and then the
believers drop their “Letter to God”, requesting miracles or thanking favors
granted. The organizers usually offer a typical lunch to visitors and dancers.
HOW TO GET THERE: By road: by the Central
Highway following the Lima - Ticlio - Huancayo route (310 km / 193 miles), in 5:30 h.
JUNE
Saint John
June / 23 to 25
Loreto, and Ucayali Regions
Location: Iquitos (104 masl / 341 fasl) and Pucallpa (154 masl / 505 fasl).
Climate: tropical.
Average temperature: 24°C (75ºF).
DESCRIPTION: The most important festivity
of the Amazon symbolizes the renewal of faith under the figure of Saint John the Baptist
and the power of water, a vital element in the entire Amazon region. This is why, in
Iquitos and Pucallpa (Yarinacocha), the people get purified in the waters of rivers or
lakes. On this date, there are also music festivals and typical dances, produce and crafts
fairs, and typical dishes, such as the famous juanes (rice tamales) representing the
Saint’s head.
HOW TO GET THERE: By plane: daily flights
from Lima to Iquitos and Pucallpa.
Inti Raymi
Inti Raymi, Cusco
June / 24
Cusco Region
Location: Sacsayhuaman (3600 masl / 11811 fasl) esplanade 2 km / 1 mile from Cusco city
Climate: cold and dry.
Average temperature: 12ºC (54ºF).
DESCRIPTION: Inti Raymi is the Sun’s
festivity. It coincides with the winter solstice and the harvests season. The Sacsayhuaman
fortress is the stage for the ceremony, following a detailed script, including the
sacrifice of two llamas to tell the future. The Inca, who urges the authorities in
Cusco’s main square to govern well, presides over the ceremony. At dusk, the Inca
announces the end of the day’s ceremonies and merry-making starts.
HOW TO GET THERE: By plane: daily flights
Lima - Cusco (1 h). By road: Lima - Cusco (through Arequipa), 1650 km / 1025 miles (24 h).
Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi, Cusco
May - June / movable
Cusco Region
Location: city of Cusco (3400 masl / 11155 fasl).
Climate: cold and dry.
Average temperature: 12ºC (54ºF).
DESCRIPTION: Fifteen saints and virgins
from different Cusco districts arrive at the cathedral in procession to salute
Christ’s body in the form of a consecrated wafer kept in the fabulous 26-kg massif
gold custody. During the night wake, typical dishes, such as chiriuchu (guinea pig and hot
peppers), chicha and corn bread, are served. As soon as the sun rises, the parade starts
around the main square, and then the images enter the cathedral to salute each other.
Finally, the delegations go back to their churches in the midst of songs and prayers.
HOW TO GET THERE: By plane: daily flights
Lima - Cusco (1 h). By road: Lima - Cusco (through Arequipa), 1650 km / 1025 miles (24 h).
Qoyllur Rit'i
Qoyllur Rit'i , Cusco Region
June / first week
Cusco Region
Location: Sinakara (4700 masl / 15420 fasl), district of Ocongate,province of
Quispicanchi.
Climate: cold and dry.
Average temperature: 02°C (36°F).
DESCRIPTION: The largest pilgrimage of
all indigenous nations of the Americas. More than 10 thousand people arrive in Sinakara,
at the foot of the Ausangate mountain (6362 masl / 20873 fasl), to pay homage to a
painting of Child Jesus. The ascent of a group of strong Queros to the snow-capped summit
to seek the Star of the Snow (Qoyllur Rit’i) in the mountain’s heart is full of
symbolism. They will take large blocks of ice on their shoulders back to their Quechua
communities to water their lands with sacred water.
HOW TO GET THERE: By plane: daily flights
Lima - Cusco (1 h).By road: Lima - Cusco (through Arequipa), 1650 km / 1025 miles
(24 h).
Chaccu in Pampa
Galeras
June 24th
National Reserve at Pampa Galeras. Ayacucho
This traditional festival consists of
creating a human fence to surround and trap the vicuñas that will be sheered. Before the
chaccu, the local people perform the pagapu, an ancient ceremony of giving thanks to the
Pachamama or Mother Earth and the Andean gods for protecting their animals. Vicuña fur is
extremely sought after for its high quality and value in the international market.
JULY
The Virgin of El
Carmen
Virgen del Carmen, Cuzco
July / 15 and 16
Cusco Region
Location: city of Paucartambo (2906 masl / 9534 fasl), at 150 km / 93 miles from Cusco.
Climate: cold.
Average temperature: 12°C (54°F).
DESCRIPTION: The Virgin of El Carmen or
Mamacha Carmen, patroness of mixed-blood people, is worshipped in a colorful procession of
her image along the village streets. Music and singing in Quechua, and groups representing
passages of the history of Peru. On the central day, the Virgin blesses the attendants and
casts off demons that perform risky acrobatics on roof tops. The grand finale, is a war
against demons in which the faithful triumph.
HOW TO GET THERE: By plane: daily flights
Lima - Cusco (1 h). By road: Lima - Cusco (through Arequipa), 1650 km / 1025 miles (24 h).
From Cusco to Paucartambo (through San Salvador and Huancarani) 109 km / 68 miles (4h)
Independence Day
28th and 29th July
Lima
The celebration includes a military
parade in the Campo de Marte and a Te Deum in the Cathedral attended by the main
governmental authorities. In Miraflores, the days before 28th July, there is colorful
parade with floats and fireworks.
AUGUST
Pachamama Raymi
or Earth Mother Day
1st August
The entire department. Cusco
On this day, the following festivals
takes place: Pachamamaraymi in the District of Ccatca, Wataqallariy in the District of
Maras, and Kinturaymi in Huasao in the District of Oropesa. This is an Andean ritual that
worships and gives tribute to the Pachamama (Mother Earth) in a special ceremony called
“payment to the earth” with offerings of coca leaves, chicha de jora, and
huayruro seeds (mystical jungle seeds). The rite marks the beginning of the Andean New
Year.
Saint Rose of
Lima / Santa Rosa de Lima
August / 30
Metropolitan Lima
Location: downtown Lima (154 masl / 505 fasl).
Climate: humid and semi-warm.
Average temperature: 19ºC (66ºF).
DESCRIPTION: Saint Rose of Lima is the
name that made Isabel Flores de Oliva famous. She was a pious Lima woman of the XVII
century with great religious inclination and given to serving the sick. The Vatican named
her Patroness of the Americas and the Philippines. Her sanctuary in downtown Lima is
visited by the faithful asking for a miracle. On this date, visitors to the hermitage she
built is visited and drop letters into the well where she dropped the key to her cilice.
HOW TO GET THERE: Sanctuary in downtown
Lima, Tacna Ave., block 1.
SEPTEMBER
International
Spring Festival.
September / October
La Libertad Region
Location: city of Trujillo (34 masl / 112 fasl).
Climate: mild and warm.
Average temperature: 19ºC (66ºF).
DESCRIPTION: Colonial Trujillo streets
and houses are decorated for the floats parade led by the Queen of Spring, followed by
foreign and Peruvian beauty queens. Skillful cheerleaders from abroad also catch the
bystanders attention.
HOW TO GET THERE: By plane: daily flights
Lima - Trujillo (1 h). By road: to Trujillo, from Lima, 560 km / 348 miles (8 h),through
the North Pan-American Highway.
OCTOBER
The Lord of the
Miracles
Lord of the Miracles Procession, Lima
October / Second half
Metropolitan Lima
Location: downtown Lima (154 masl / 505 fasl).
Climate: humid and warm.
Average temperature: 19ºC (66ºF).
DESCRIPTION: This image gathers around it
the largest numbers of devotees in South America. It dates back to colonial times, when a
black slave painted it on the walls of a run-down property. In spite of earthquakes and
attempts at erasing it, the miraculous image has remained intact. Thousands of believers
dressed in purple habits sing and pray to accompany the image in procession. It is a date
to enjoy “turrón de Doña Pepa” (a nougat) and delicious “picarones”
(ring-shaped fritters). To honor the Black Christ, bull fighting at Plaza de Acho, gathers
the most prestigious bullfighters of Spain and the Americas.
HOW TO GET THERE: Processions in downtown
Lima. Plaza de Acho: Rímac district.
Peruvian Music
Day
31st October
Lima
Since the 1940’s, this celebration
highlights the importance of the Peruvian Creole music with remembrances, concerts, and
parties in private and public locations. The “peñas” are the most frequented
public establishments.
NOVEMBER
All Saints Day
and Day of the Dead.
November / 1 and 2
Piura and Cajamarca Regions
Location: Granja Porcón (Cajamarca, 2720 masl / 8924 fasl) and La Arena (Piura, 29 masl /
95 fasl).
Climate: in Porcón, dry and mild; warm in La Arena.
Average temperature: Porcón 14°C (57°F); Piura, 24°C (75ºF).
DESCRIPTION: In Cajamarca and the Porcón
and Huambocancha villages, the people visit cemeteries carrying paper flower crowns for
their dead and clean the tombstones under which they are buried. Then they share food and
drinks with their souls. This rite is the continuation of a pre-Hispanic practice combined
with Christian elements.
In La Arena (Piura), the people go to the
Main Square taking their children dressed in their best clothes. Those who have lost a
child give children who resemble their own some sweets and rolls in bags called
"little angels". At night, families hold a wake at the cemetery, lit with
candles until dawn.
HOW TO GET THERE: By road: Granja
Porcón, 30 km / 19 miles (55 min) from Cajamarca by the road to Bambamarca. La Arena,
city of Piura, 978 km / 608 miles north of Lima).
DECEMBER
Immaculate
Conception
December / 7 to 10
Arequipa Region
Location: city of Chivay (3633 masl / 11919 fasl), province of Caylloma.
Climate: semi-cold and rainy from October to March.
Average temperature: 10ºC (50ºF).
DESCRIPTION: On the central day (day 8),
in a colorful dance after the procession, men dressed in women’s clothes approach
women and abduct them. This is a good time to visit the 16 baroque churches of the
ColcaValley, its hot springs (La Calera), and the beautiful terraces of one of the deepest
canyons in the world, and to see the marvelous flight of condors. (See Health and
Mysticism and Adventure Sports).
HOW TO GET THERE: By road: Chivay is 164
km / 102 miles north of Arequipa (3:30 h).
