Corpus Christi is a vibrant religious festival celebrated in Cusco, Peru, which showcases the fusion of Catholicism and indigenous Andean traditions. It takes place annually, typically in May or June, and is one of the most significant religious events in the region. The festival revolves around the Eucharist, the Christian sacrament commemorating the Last Supper...
Inti Raymi is an ancient Inca festival that is celebrated in Cusco, Peru, as a homage to the Sun God, Inti. It is a grand spectacle that reenacts the Inca Empire's most significant ceremony, which was originally held at the time of the winter solstice. Inti Raymi, meaning "Festival of the Sun" in Quechua, is...
The festivity of the Virgin Carmen in Paucartambo is a vibrant and deeply rooted celebration held in the town of Paucartambo, located in the Cusco region of Peru. The festival, which blends indigenous Andean traditions with Catholicism, takes place annually in July and is dedicated to the Virgin Carmen, the patron saint of Paucartambo. The...
Semana Santa (Holy Week) Cusco: Elaborate processions with ornate statues of Christ and the Virgin Mary, accompanied by incense, flowers, and Andean hymns. The Señor de los Temblores (Lord of the Earthquakes) procession on Easter Monday is iconic.
Location: Nationwide (best in Lima, Ica) Highlights: Celebrates Peru’s iconic cocktail with tastings, bar competitions, and live criollo music.
Location: Arequipa (desert shrine, 45km from the city) Highlights: Over 100,000 devotees walk barefoot through the desert to honor the Virgin. Fireworks, traditional picantería food, and yaraví music (Andean lament songs).
Locations: Nationwide (most famous in Cusco, Lima, and Huánuco) Highlights: Celebrates the Christian cross blended with Inca earth worship (Pachamama). Cusco: Neighborhoods compete with ornate crosses adorned with flowers and mirrors. Huánuco: Danza de los Negritos (dance honoring Afro-Peruvian heritage).
Location: Canas Province, Cusco Highlights: Annual rebuilding of the last Inca grass bridge using traditional techniques Community participation with offerings to Apus (mountain spirits) UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage event
Location: Sinakara Valley (Cusco), near Ocongate Highlights: One of Peru’s most sacred Andean festivals, blending Inca sun worship (Inti) with Catholicism. Thousands hike to 4,800m to honor the Señor de Qoyllur Rit’i (Christ appearing as a mountain spirit). Dancers in colorful masks (ukukus) perform rituals to bless crops.
Location: Cusco Highlights: 15 saints and virgins paraded from churches to Cusco Cathedral Traditional dishes like chiriuchu (cold spicy platter) Q'apaq Negro dance performances
Location: Amazon regions (especially Iquitos, Pucallpa, Tarapoto) Highlights: Celebrates the Amazonian winter solstice with water purification rituals Traditional dances like the pandilla and humisha (tree cutting ceremony) Feast of juanes (seasoned rice wrapped in bijao leaves)
Location: Cusco (Sacsayhuamán fortress) Highlights: The most important Inca festival, honoring the sun god Inti Spectacular reenactment of ancient Inca rituals with 500+ participants in traditional costumes Includes offerings to Pachamama (Mother Earth) and ceremonial coca leaf readings