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Cusco’s Traditional Festivals: A Month-by-Month Cultural Calendar

Portada / News & Events / Cusco’s Traditional Festivals: A Month-by-Month Cultural Calendar
Learn about the schedule of activities for the Cusco Festivities here.
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The Inti Raymi in June is the most important festival in Cusco
The Inti Raymi in June is the most important festival in Cusco
The Inti Raymi in June is the most important festival in Cusco
The Inti Raymi in June is the most important festival in Cusco

January: Faith and Tradition in the Heart of Cusco

January 6: Epiphany and the Closing of the Cusquenian Christmas Season

Location: Main Square, Cusco

Every January 6th, Cusco’s Main Square becomes the setting for a heartfelt ceremony marking the end of the Christmas season. The event begins with Christmas hymns performed by local choirs in honor of the birth of the Christ Child.

A symbolic ritual follows: the dismantling of the Cusqueñan nativity scene, overseen by the city’s highest authorities.

Santurantikuy Awards Ceremony

EMUFEC (Cusco’s Municipal Festivities Company) holds a special ceremony to honor the winners of Santurantikuy 2024, the most iconic Christmas market in Cusco.

Recognition is also given to the talented artisans who won the Cusqueñan Nativity Scene Contest, held annually on December 24. Their works celebrate creativity, tradition, and cultural identity through art.

January 20: Feast of Saint Sebastian

Location: San Sebastián District, Cusco

One of the oldest districts in Cusco bursts with color, music, and devotion every January 20th to honor its patron saint, San Sebastián. Folkloric parades and traditional Andean dances bring the streets to life, with an atmosphere that embraces both locals and visitors.

During the celebration, don’t miss the chance to try traditional dishes like chiriuchu, and sip ancestral drinks such as chicha de jora. A unique cultural experience blending faith, identity, and joy — right in the spiritual heart of Cusco.

February: Compadres, Satire, and the Start of Cusco’s Carnival Season

February 27: Celebration of the Compadres

Location: All over Cusco

Cusco lights up with satire, color, and playful spirit during the Compadres Celebration, a festive tradition that strengthens the Andean godparent bond through humor and popular creativity.

All around the city, you’ll see rag dolls hanging from balconies, lamp posts, and plazas. These male figures often caricature public personalities, politicians, or well-known neighbors, paired with witty messages that reflect social critique or daily life with Cusqueñan flair.

Music, laughter, foam, and brightly colored paint fill the air in a festive atmosphere that marks the official start of Cusco’s Carnival — one of Peru’s most authentic and inclusive celebrations.

Carnivals in Cusco
Carnivals in Cusco
Carnivals in Cusco
Carnivals in Cusco

March: Comadres, Dance, and the Colorful Carnival of Cusco

March 6: Celebration of the Comadres

Location: Cusco

Now it's time to honor the comadres — women united by the special Andean bond of godmotherhood, whether through family, friendship, or festive sisterhood.

The streets come alive with music, colored foam, streamers, and joy. In true Cusqueñan style, rag dolls representing local women are hung from balconies, markets, and plazas. These satirical figures portray well-known characters, blending humor and social critique with celebration.

It’s a vibrant tribute to the women of Cusco, filled with wit, color, and cultural pride.

March 9: Cusquenian Carnival "Carnaval Cusqueño"

Location: Main Square and Historic Center

One of the most joyful and participatory celebrations on Cusco’s calendar, Carnaval Cusqueño transforms the city into an explosion of color, dance, and traditional games.

Though the season spans several weeks, the main celebration is held on March 9. From Compadres Thursday to the Kacharpari (the grand farewell), the city is filled with comparsas, parades, traditional dances, live music, and playful water games with foam and colored paint.

The Main Square becomes the epicenter of collective happiness — a party in every sense.

Kacharpari – The Carnival Farewell

About a week after Carnival Sunday, the city celebrates the Kacharpari, marking the official end of the season. In the historic center, you’ll find performances of traditional dances, live music, and a showcase of delicious local cuisine.

Timpu or Puchero – The Carnival Dish

A staple of the Cusqueñan table during Carnival, timpu (also called puchero) is a flavorful stew made with beef, potatoes, sweet potatoes, rice, chickpeas, corn, and a mix of Andean vegetables. This hearty dish is ideal for sharing with family and friends during the festivities.

Yunza – The Tree-Cutting Festival

Across Cusco’s neighborhoods, locals celebrate the traditional Yunza, a ritual where a tree adorned with gifts is planted and surrounded by dance.

Participants take turns striking the tree with an axe, dancing and laughing to the rhythm of music. The most exciting moment is when the tree falls — the person who delivers the final blow becomes the host of next year’s Yunza. A celebration full of symbolism, community, and joy.

March 28: Launch of the Inti Raymi and Cusco Festivities

Location: Qoricancha

At the majestic Qoricancha, the official ceremony launching the Cusco Festivities Season and the countdown to Inti Raymi is held. This powerful event evokes the grandeur of the Inca Empire and celebrates the continuity of its legacy.

The mayor delivers a public address, joined by local citizens, national and international media, and visitors. This launch marks the beginning of a cultural calendar that showcases Cusco’s living identity to the world.

April: Holy Week in Cusco – Spirituality and Andean Traditions

April 13–20: Holy Week "Semana Santa"

Location: Cusco

Holy Week is one of the most significant religious celebrations on Cusco’s calendar. Lived with deep faith and tradition, this celebration brings together thousands of devotees who fill churches, streets, and plazas with symbols of reflection, gratitude, and hope.

It all begins on Palm Sunday, when families attend church carrying crosses woven from palm leaves, which are blessed during Mass. These crosses are later placed in homes as a sign of protection and spiritual renewal, marking the start of a week of reflection and popular devotion.

On Holy Monday, one of the week’s most important events takes place: the Procession of the Señor de los Milagros, the Patron Protector of Cusco. In the following days, churches host liturgies commemorating the final moments of Jesus’s life.

On Holy Thursday, the Last Supper is remembered, and many Cusqueñan families keep the tradition of preparing twelve different dishes, in honor of the twelve apostles. This custom is sometimes observed on Good Friday, depending on each family’s beliefs and practices.

On Good Friday is a day of silence and solemnity. The crucifixion and death of Jesus are commemorated through special Masses, Stations of the Cross, and moments of deep reflection throughout the city.

Holy Saturday marks the transition toward hope, in a spirit of contemplation in anticipation of the Resurrection. Finally, the celebration culminates on Easter Sunday, a joyful day that celebrates the triumph of life over death. Church bells ring throughout the city and Masses are celebrated across Cusco.

During this week, Cusco resonates with a unique fusion of Catholic faith and Andean tradition, making Holy Week a truly unforgettable spiritual and cultural experience.

April 14: Procession of the Lord of the Earthquakes – Holy Monday

Location: Historic center of Cusco

Holy Monday is the emotional high point of the week. On this day, the sacred image of the Señor de los Temblores (Lord of the Earthquakes), Cusco’s Patron Protector, is carried through the main streets in a moving procession filled with solemnity and devotion.

Balconies are adorned with flower petals and tapestries, while the crowd sings, prays, and waves red ñucchu flowers — a native Andean blossom that symbolizes the blood of Christ. This flower grows between 1500 and 2700 m.a.s.l. and has become a unique symbol of this local tradition.

By nightfall, around 7 p.m., the Main Square becomes the spiritual heart of the city, as thousands gather to receive the Lord’s blessing — a moment of pure collective energy, guided by faith.

Ñucchu: Flower of Devotion and Memory

The ñucchu (Salvia splendens) is an ancestral flower native to southern Peru. With its bright red color and delicate shape, it has been adopted by Cusco’s faithful as a sacred symbol of devotion and sacrifice. Its use in this Holy Week procession is a living expression of the fusion between Andean spirituality and Catholic tradition.

Procession of the Lord of the Earthquakes
Procession of the Lord of the Earthquakes
Procession of the Lord of the Earthquakes
Procession of the Lord of the Earthquakes

May: Sacred Crosses and Energy of Cusco’s Streets

May 3: Cruz Velacuy or Vigil of the Cross

Location: Traditional neighborhoods of Cusco

The Cruz Velacuy, or Vigil of the Cross, is one of the most heartfelt religious celebrations in Cusco’s traditional neighborhoods. This festivity blends Christian devotion with Andean beliefs in a symbolic act of respect and connection with the apus, or sacred mountains.

On this day, crosses — often brought down from the highlands — are placed in neighborhood chapels or central spaces, where they are honored throughout the night with prayers, dances, songs, and a strong sense of community.

Local food, music, and shared drinks among neighbors are never missing from this celebration, where faith is lived in collective spirit.

May 25: Gran Carrera Qosqo 10K – Hatun Phaway 2025

Location: Streets of Cusco’s Historic Center

The city fills with energy during the Gran Carrera Qosqo 10K – Hatun Phaway, a sporting event that kicks off the Jubilee Month of Cusco.

Local, national, and international runners cover a 10-kilometer course through iconic sites of the imperial city, promoting physical activity, healthy tourism, and cultural connection. More than just a race, it’s a collective experience that celebrates life, movement, and the Cusqueñan spirit in all its splendor.

June: Inti Raymi and the Peak of Cusco’s Jubilee Month

June 1: Offering Ceremony to Pachamama

Location: Main Square, Cusco

With an ancestral ceremony honoring Mother Earth, the Cusco Festivities officially begin.

This ritual marks the start of the Jubilee Month with a tribute to the Pachamama, sacred symbol of fertility and abundance in the Andean worldview. Organized by EMUFEC, the event takes place in the heart of the historic center — the Main Square — and brings together thousands of attendees, both locals and visitors from around the world.

With coca leaves, chicha de jora, and floral offerings, Cusco rekindles its deepest bond with the land that sustains it.

June 8: Festivity of the Lord of Torrechayoc

Urubamba, Sacred Valley of the Incas

In the spiritual capital of the Sacred Valley, Urubamba celebrates one of the most heartfelt Catholic festivities of the region. The Lord of Torrechayoc, represented by a cross adorned with fine textiles and jewels, is honored with Masses, processions, traditional dances, and typical dishes. The main altar is located in the neighborhood of the same name, just ten minutes from the town center.

For several days, religious devotion and popular joy fill the streets with fireworks, brass bands, and folk dances — a unique communion of faith and living culture.

June 10–15: University Parade

Location: Plaza Mayor, Cusco

As part of Cusco’s Jubilee Month, the city’s universities pay tribute to local culture with a vibrant artistic parade. Each institution presents traditional dances and allegorical performances that reflect their commitment to Andean heritage and their connection to the community.

  • June 10: Andean University of Cusco
  • June 11: Technological University of the Andes
  • June 12: San Antonio Abad National University of Cusco (UNSAAC)
  • June 13: Continental University
  • June 15: Diego Quispe Tito National University of Art – Allegory Parade

This colorful event showcases the creativity of Cusco’s youth, their regional pride, and the vitality of a living culture celebrated with every step.

June 13–18: Pilgrimage to the Lord of Qoyllurit’i

Location: Apu Ausangate, Sinakara Valley

More than just a festivity, this is a profound spiritual experience. Each year, around 90,000 pilgrims embark on a sacred journey to Ausangate Mountain, one of Cusco’s most revered apus. The route begins with a drive and ends with a trek to Sinakara, a natural sanctuary surrounded by snowcapped peaks.

June 17 is the central day of celebration, when devotion reaches its peak through ritual dances, songs, and ceremonies that intertwine Catholicism with ancient Andean beliefs. Organized by the Council of Pilgrim Nations and the Brotherhood of the Lord of Qoyllurit’i, this event is recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The pilgrimage reaffirms the spiritual bond between humans, the mountains, and millennia-old traditions.

June 16: Parade of Traditional Dances of Cusco

Location: Plaza Mayor, Cusco

Color, rhythm, and tradition fill Cusco’s Plaza de Armas during this lively parade. Dozens of local educational institutions—both public and private—come together to pay homage to the city through traditional Andean dances.

Each group presents authentic costumes, ancestral choreography, and cultural expressions that showcase the rich diversity of Andean peoples. This vibrant spectacle not only honors the past but also inspires new generations to keep their heritage alive.

  • June 16: Parade of Early Childhood Education Institutions
  • June 17: Parade of Primary Education Institutions
  • June 20: Parade of Secondary Education Institutions

June 18: Entrance Procession of Corpus Christi

Location: Plaza de Armas and Plaza San Francisco, Cusco

The Entrance Procession of Corpus Christi is one of the most spectacular and meaningful celebrations in the Andean festive calendar. Each year, on the eve of Corpus Christi, 15 images of saints and virgins are carried through the streets in a grand procession of music, dance, and devotion, drawing both locals and visitors from around the world.

This syncretic festival blends Catholic tradition with Andean spiritual beliefs, offering a unique cultural experience. And of course, it’s also a feast for the senses: don’t miss the chiri uchu, the traditional Corpus Christi dish that features a delightful mix of Andean ingredients—a true must-try for visitors.

June 19: Corpus Christi

Location: Main Square - Cusco

Corpus Christi 2025 continues to honor one of Cusco’s oldest and most emblematic religious traditions. Each year, thousands of worshippers and travelers gather to witness the grand procession of fifteen images of saints and virgins, carried in elaborate wooden platforms from the city’s main churches to the Cathedral of Cusco.

Each religious brotherhood organizes bands, dancers, and offerings to accompany the procession, creating an atmosphere of deep devotion and vibrant color.

The celebration is also a culinary highlight: chiri uchu, a signature dish of Cusco’s gastronomy, brings together ingredients from Peru’s coast, highlands, and rainforest into a single, symbolic plate. A unique expression of faith, culture, and flavor that defines Cusco’s Jubilee Month.

Parade of Saints during Corpus Christi
Parade of Saints during Corpus Christi
Parade of Saints during Corpus Christi
Parade of Saints during Corpus Christi

June 18–19: Chiriuchu Gastronomic Festival

Location: Plaza San Francisco, Cusco

This festival is a tribute to both taste and memory. Chiriuchu—which means "cold chili" in Quechua—is much more than a typical dish: it’s an ancient fusion of ingredients representing the rich ecological diversity of Peru.

Traditionally served during this season, it features cochayuyo (Andean seaweed), boiled chicken, alpaca jerky, Cusqueñan sausage, fish roe, cheese, toasted corn (cancha), rocoto chili, kori (seaweed), and maize fritters. This feast of flavors with pre-Hispanic and colonial roots delights the palate of every curious foodie.

June 21: Andean New Year and Winter Solstice

Location: Throughout Cusco and the Andean regions

On June 21, as the sun reaches its lowest point in the southern hemisphere sky, Andean peoples celebrate the Andean New Year (Machaq Mara in Aymara, Inti Raymi in Quechua), in harmony with the Winter Solstice.

This sacred moment marks renewal and hope—the rebirth of the sun (Inti), the source of life, after the longest night of the year. In Andean cosmology, nature and time are deeply intertwined, and this day signals the start of a new agricultural, spiritual, and communal cycle.

At dawn, communities gather at ceremonial sites—often mountaintops or ancient temples—to welcome the first rays of sunlight, arms outstretched in gratitude and in prayer for blessings in the coming year.

This millennia-old ritual, now celebrated with renewed pride in cities such as Cusco, Puno, Tiwanaku (Bolivia), and other Andean regions, is also an act of cultural resistance and a tribute to the enduring legacy of the ancient peoples of the Tawantinsuyu. Many ceremonies include dances, offerings to Pachamama (Mother Earth), and rituals that celebrate the deep connection between humans and the cosmos.

June 21: Light & Sound Show

Location: Main Square of Cusco

A magical night in the heart of Cusco. EMUFEC presents the Lights and Sound Cusco 2025 show, a visual and musical experience that illuminates the Cathedral of Cusco with light displays, live music, and fireworks.

Lasting around four hours, thousands of attendees — both locals and tourists — enjoy an unforgettable evening framed by the festive spirit of the Jubilee Month. The show begins in the late afternoon and ends around 10 p.m., depending on the energy of the cosmopolitan crowd.

June 24: Inti Raymi or Festival of the Sun

Location: Qoricancha, Main Square, Sacsayhuaman

Inti Raymi is one of the most iconic and traditional events in Cusco, held every June 24. It is the central day of the Jubilee Month and one of the most important ceremonies on the Andean calendar.

Inspired by the ancient Inca ritual in honor of the Inti (Sun God), this event marks the winter solstice, a key moment in the Andean agricultural cycle. The Incas believed the Sun had to be honored to ensure abundant harvests and the empire’s well-being.

The performance unfolds in three main acts across Cusco’s most sacred locations.

Staging of the Inti Raymi

First Act – Qoricancha
The ceremony begins at the Temple of the Sun, Qoricancha, with the appearance of the Sinchi (Supreme Commander of the Inca Army) and his warriors. They are followed by the Acllas, women chosen for their grace and wisdom, considered the most beautiful in the empire.

Also present are the Tika Taqaqkunas, who scatter flower petals along the ceremonial path of the Inca and his wife, the Qoya. Traditional instruments like quenas and pututos evoke the sacred power of Inca music. This act lasts about 30 minutes.

Second Act – Main Square of Cusco
The royal entourage moves to the historic Main Square, where the Sinchi, the imperial army, and the four representatives of the Tahuantinsuyo regions (Chinchaysuyo, Contisuyo, Antisuyo, and Collasuyo) are presented.

The Inca and the High Priest of the Sun perform a symbolic offering on an altar in the center of the square, asking for good harvests, balance, and prosperity for the empire. This act lasts about 40 minutes and stands out for its solemnity and majestic visual power.

Final Act – Sacsayhuaman
The final act takes place in the Sacsayhuaman archaeological complex, one of the most impressive Inca constructions. Here, the largest gathering of musicians, dancers, priests, and representatives from the four suyos come together, each bringing their own dances.

Symbolic offerings are made, including the ritual sacrifice of a llama, the main rite of the ceremony. The final scene is crowned with an emotional speech by the Inca in Quechua, wishing good fortune for his people and reaffirming the sacred bond between Earth, Sun, and the spirit of the Andean people.

Inti Raymi, Festival of the Sun
Inti Raymi, Festival of the Sun
Inti Raymi, Festival of the Sun
Inti Raymi, Festival of the Sun

June 26: Octave of Cusco’s Corpus Christi

Location: Main Square, Cusco

Eight days after Corpus Christi, the sacred images return in a final procession to bid farewell to the people of Cusco. Tradition says the saints “have been talking” during the week about the behavior of their devotees.

The Octave represents the closing of this celebration, before each image returns to its temple. A solemn farewell that reaffirms the deep connection between Catholic faith and Cusco’s cultural identity.

July: Virgen del Carmen and the Patriotic Spirit of Deep Cusco

July 15-17: Festivity in Honor of the Virgen del Carmen of Paucartambo

Location: Paucartambo, Cusco

For three days, the peaceful province of Paucartambo transforms into a vibrant center of faith, culture, and color. Every July 16, the festivity of the Virgen del Carmen, affectionately known as “Mamacha Carmen,” is celebrated — considered the second most important folkloric celebration in Peru, after the Virgen de la Candelaria in Puno.

Thousands of faithful and visitors travel from Cusco — a journey of about two hours — to pay homage to the spiritual patroness of the town. The streets overflow with comparsas, brass bands, and a solemn procession that winds through the heart of the village.

More than a dozen dance troupes represent characters with distinct costumes and choreographies, including the iconic saqras — devilish masked figures who playfully interact with the crowd, symbolizing the eternal struggle between good and evil.

In recent years, this celebration has gained international recognition for its spirituality, its profound Andean-Christian symbolism, and the vibrant energy that fills every corner of the town. A transformative experience that blends devotion, oral tradition, ritual dance, and folk art in a highland setting.

July 28: Independence Day – Civic-Military Parade

Location: Main Square of Cusco

Cusco joins the rest of the country in commemorating Peru’s Independence Day with an impressive civic-military parade. On July 28, educational institutions, government agencies, and police and military forces march through the Main Square in honor of the nation, under the watchful eyes of local authorities and proud citizens.

The day begins with a Te Deum Mass at the Cathedral of Cusco, followed by the solemn raising of the Peruvian flag. Marching bands, formal uniforms, and patriotic fervor fill the historic center, recalling the legacy of freedom that unites all Peruvians.

Cusco Invites – Gastronomic Festival

Location: Plaza Regocijo, Cusco

A tribute to Peruvian flavor in the heart of the Inca capital. Cusco Invites is a public culinary event organized by EMUFEC, featuring renowned chefs and supported by cultural institutions. During the celebration, Plaza Regocijo becomes a vast culinary corridor, where visitors can taste signature dishes from Cusco’s cuisine and Peruvian gastronomy.

The festive atmosphere is enhanced by live music, traditional dances, and a vibe that celebrates the rich culinary diversity of Peru. Recognized as one of the country’s top gastronomic destinations, Cusco opens its kitchens to the world in this encounter of tradition, creativity, and flavor.

Parade of Saints during Corpus Christi
Parade of Saints during Corpus Christi
Parade of Saints during Corpus Christi
Parade of Saints during Corpus Christi

August: Rituals to Pachamama and Devotion in the Andes of Cusco

August 1: Day of the Pachamama

Location: Throughout Cusco

August 1 marks one of the most sacred dates in the Andean calendar: Pachamama Day, regarded as the true act of giving back to the Earth. Since ancient times, Andean peoples have offered ritual gifts to Mother Earth, expressing gratitude for the year’s abundance and asking for prosperity in the new agricultural cycle.

In Cusco, this tradition remains vibrant—observed in homes and public institutions alike—through ceremonies held with deep spiritual reverence. Offerings typically include chicha de jora (fermented corn beer), coca leaves, cigarettes, sweets, and at times port wine or other ritual elements passed down through generations. This beautiful custom reaffirms the spiritual bond between the Earth, humankind, and the universe.

August 2: Corpus of San Cristóbal

Location: Plaza San Cristóbal, Cusco

The devotion to the patron saint of drivers is joyfully celebrated in the Plaza San Cristóbal. On this day, the church courtyard fills with music, dance, and religious expressions. The festivity includes cultural activities, Masses, gastronomic fairs, and craft exhibitions, all in an atmosphere of tradition and community.

Orchestras, colorful traditional costumes, and popular faith transform this day into a vibrant celebration, honoring the protector of the road.

August 15: Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin

Location: Calca and Pisaq, Sacred Valley

Known locally as Mamacha Asunta, the Virgin of the Assumption is the patron saint of Calca and one of the most beloved Marian icons of the Sacred Valley. Her festivity is celebrated with joyful dances, choreographed performances, and popular devotion, attracting locals and national and international tourists alike.

The streets are filled with comparsas, fireworks, and religious fervor, all set against a backdrop of mountains and tradition. A celebration that blends the sacred and the festive, leaving a lasting impression on all who take part.

August 24: Feast of Saint Bartholomew

Location: Taray, Calca, Pisaq, Tinta (Canchis)

The feast in honor of Saint Bartholomew, the patron saint of several Sacred Valley communities, is celebrated with songs, dances, and traditional Andean music played with bandurrias and quenas.

This cultural and spiritual festivity takes place mainly in the district of Tinta from August 22 to 26, but is also celebrated in other areas of the Sacred Valley. It stands out for its rural essence and community spirit, where dance, faith, and identity come together in a vibrant tribute.

August 30: Feast of Saint Rose of Lima

Location: Main Square of Cusco

The Patron Saint of the Americas and the Philippines, Saint Rose of Lima, is honored with a civic-religious ceremony in Cusco’s Main Square. Civil, military, and police authorities — along with institutions that count her as their patroness — participate in a solemn parade blending tradition and national pride.

This celebration, recognized across the country as a national holiday, holds particular significance in Cusco due to the presence of the Peruvian National Police and other security forces that honor their spiritual protector. Here, devotion, history, and patriotism come together in the heart of the city.claro

Offering to Pachamama
Offering to Pachamama
Offering to Pachamama
Offering to Pachamama

September: Pilgrimages, Virgins, and Saints of Ancestral Cusco

September 8: Feast of the Virgin of the Nativity

Location: Cusco - Almudena Neighborhood

Almudena, one of Cusco’s oldest and most traditional neighborhoods, celebrates with great devotion the Virgin of the Nativity, one of the city’s most beloved Marian images. The festivities begin on August 29 with the traditional flower procession, a route that starts in Plaza San Francisco and ends at the Almudena Temple, filling the historic center’s streets with color and fragrance.

The main day, September 8, is marked by solemn Masses, music, and folk dances that accompany the Virgin’s procession through the neighborhood — a celebration full of emotion, where faith and tradition intertwine in one of Cusco’s most historic corners.

September 14: Feast of the Lord of Huanca

Location: District of San Salvador – Sanctuary of Huanca, Cusco

Every September 14, thousands of devotees travel to the Sanctuary of the Lord of Huanca, in the district of San Salvador, located 48 km from Cusco. The image of the martyred Christ is a symbol of healing, faith, and hope, drawing pilgrims from across Peru and abroad.

Many of the faithful walk the entire route as an act of penance or gratitude. The path, surrounded by nature and spirituality, becomes a powerful experience of collective faith. The sanctuary, nestled in the mountains, is one of the country’s most important pilgrimage centers.

September 14: Feast of the Lord of the Exaltation

Location: Mollepata, province of Anta

The Lord of the Exaltation is venerated with great devotion in Mollepata, where communities from all across the province of Anta gather each year. This celebration, deeply rooted in the hearts of the people, brings together hundreds of pilgrims who come from different areas of Cusco to participate in Masses, processions, and celebrations filled with music and dance.

September 30: Feast of Saint Jerome

Location: Main square of the district of San Jerónimo, Cusco

The feast honoring Saint Jerome, the patron of the district that bears his name, is one of the most representative religious celebrations of the month.

It draws not only the residents of San Jerónimo, but also dance troupes and delegations from neighboring districts.

The program includes folk dance competitions, music festivals, art exhibitions, and gastronomic fairs showcasing the best of local culture. A day where art, faith, and neighborhood pride come together in a vibrant expression of tradition.

October: The Purple Month in Cusco – Miracles and Criollo Spirit

October 18: Festivity of the Lord of Miracles

Location: Historic Center of Cusco and districts like San Sebastián and San Jerónimo

Although the main celebration of the Lord of Miracles takes place on October 28 in Lima, in Cusco, the activities begin on October 1 with the opening Mass of the purple month and the blessing of habits.

The central day in Cusco is October 18, featuring processions that pass through various streets of the city, including visits to institutions and even penitentiary centers. The purple month concludes on October 31 with a special Mass.

October 31: Día de la Canción Criolla – Cusco

Location: Historic Center of Cusco

Although the origin of criolla music is in Lima, particularly in the neighborhood of Barrios Altos, this musical expression has also found a home in Cusco.

Every October 31, the historic center fills with coastal music, traditional dances, and cultural activities that pay tribute to the criollo spirit. Open-air concerts, marinera shows, and exhibitions of traditional Peruvian food blend with Cusco’s heritage in a celebration of one of the country’s most authentic expressions of national identity.

November: All Saints’ Day and the Andean Way of Honoring the Dead

November 1: All Saints’ Day

Location: Oropesa, Cusco

A celebration where Catholic and Andean traditions blend with tenderness and deep symbolism. On this date, the homes and cemeteries of Oropesa are filled with altars dedicated to the departed, adorned with flowers, candles, fruits, sweets, and the iconic t’antawawas — breads shaped like children, horses, or other figures representing the cycle of life.

The atmosphere is festive and family-oriented, with visits to cemeteries and tables laden with oven-roasted pork, Cusqueñan corn tamales, and other traditional delicacies. In plazas and markets like Plaza Túpac Amaru, food stalls offer these flavors that unite generations.

November 2: Day of the Dead

Location: Cusco and rural communities

Following the All Saints’ Day celebrations, the Day of the Dead is an intimate occasion where families honor their deceased loved ones. Altars are built at home, decorated with personal objects, photos, and favorite foods of the departed, under the belief that they return for a brief moment to share with the living.

This tradition holds special significance in Cusco’s rural communities, where remembrance is shared in a spirit of closeness, love, and continuity.

December: Cusqueñan Christmas and Year-End Rituals of Renewal and Abundance

December 24: Santurantikuy Fair

Location: Plaza de Armas, Cusco

Every Christmas Eve, Cusco’s Plaza de Armas transforms into a vibrant Andean market that celebrates both faith and folk artistry. Santurantikuy—a Quechua term meaning “buy me a little saint”—is a beloved traditional fair that brings together hundreds of artisans from Cusco and nearby provinces. They showcase their finest creations: nativity scenes, religious figurines, woven textiles, ceramics, wood carvings, and handcrafted Christmas ornaments.

But Santurantikuy is more than a shopping event—it's a heartfelt celebration of Christmas through the lens of Andean tradition, where spirituality, creativity, and cultural heritage blend in a single space filled with human warmth.

December 31: New Year’s Eve in Cusco

Location: Main Square of Cusco

Saying goodbye to the year in Cusco is a mystical, vibrant, and deeply collective experience. On the night of December 31, the Main Square becomes a grand stage where locals and travelers gather to celebrate with music, dances, rituals, and fireworks.

At midnight, Andean tradition comes alive: people walk in circles around the square to attract good omens and positive energy. It’s not just about turning the page on a calendar — it’s about spiritual renewal in a city that vibrates with history, faith, and hope.

As part of the most popular year-end rituals, many take part in flourishing baths made with herbs, flowers, and essences to cleanse negative energies and attract well-being. Others wear yellow underwear, a symbol of luck and abundance for the new year.

In Cusco, the New Year is lived with an open soul and a lifted heart.

Santurantikuy. Source: CuscoPeru.com
Santurantikuy in Cusco

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