Cusco is a city where traditions stay alive all year round through religious festivals, cultural celebrations and Andean customs. Each festival has its own expressions of faith, music, dance and ritual that shape Cusco's identity. In this calendar you will find the main Cusco festivals in 2027, with their approximate dates, to help you plan your trip and experience the city at a special time of year.
Throughout the year, Cusco keeps a full calendar of traditional festivals, religious celebrations and cultural events that are part of the identity of the city and its communities. Below you will find the main festivals scheduled for 2027, with their approximate dates, so you can organize your trip and see Cusco during some of its most representative celebrations.
| Approximate date | Festival | Why it matters for travelers |
| March 21 to 28 | Holy Week and Lord of the Earthquakes | One of the main expressions of religious devotion in Cusco, with processions and traditions that blend Andean and Catholic elements. |
| May 26 and 27 | Corpus Christi | One of Cusco's most representative religious celebrations, with a procession of saints and virgins through the Historic Center. |
| June 24 | Inti Raymi | The most iconic cultural celebration on the Cusco calendar, with a large reenactment at Qorikancha, the Plaza de Armas and Sacsayhuamán. |
| July 15 to 18 | Virgen del Carmen of Paucartambo | Known for its dances, troupes, music and traditional characters, it is one of the region's main folk celebrations. |
| August 1 | Pachamama Day | A date tied to Andean traditions of gratitude and offerings to Mother Earth. |
| December 24 | Santurantikuy | One of Cusco's most important traditional fairs, especially interesting for its crafts, religious figures and Andean nativity scenes. |
Location: Plaza de Armas of Cusco
Every January 6, this ceremony takes place in the Plaza de Armas of Cusco. It opens with carols sung by local choirs in honor of Christmas and the Child Jesus.
The traditional Cusco nativity scene is also taken down in a symbolic ceremony led by the city's main authorities.
The Cusco Municipal Festivals Company (EMUFEC) holds the award ceremony for the winning exhibitors of Santurantikuy 2026, Cusco's most representative traditional Christmas fair, held on December 24.
The ceremony also recognizes the winning artisans of the Cusco Nativity Scene Contest. They compete every December 24 in this event, which celebrates creativity and cultural identity.
Location: San Sebastián district, Cusco
From January 19 to 25, the traditional district of San Sebastián, one of the oldest in Cusco, honors its patron saint with devotion, music and color. The streets fill with traditional dances and troupes parading to the rhythm of Andean music, creating a festive mood enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
Location: Cusco
In 2027, Cusco wraps up January with fun, color and festive humor as the traditional Compadres celebration kicks off the Carnival season. The day strengthens the bonds between godfathers, close friends and fellow revelers, and it is celebrated with plenty of humor and popular creativity. You will see rag dolls hung from balconies, lampposts and squares. These figures, usually male, portray public figures, politicians or neighbors, with witty messages that comment on everyday life or social issues.
Location: Cusco
Now it is the Comadres' turn: women joined by a special bond, whether as godmothers, close friends or fellow revelers. This celebration honors them with music, foam, streamers and lots of color. As part of the tradition, rag dolls are made and displayed on balconies, lampposts, markets and squares. These figures portray well-known women and become a satirical expression full of humor and social commentary, Cusco style.
Location: Plaza de Armas and streets of the Historic Center
Cusco Carnival turns the city into a celebration of color, dance and street games. Although the festivities last several weeks, the main day is Carnival Sunday, which in 2027 falls on February 7, followed by Carnival Tuesday on February 9 and Ash Wednesday on February 10. From Compadres Thursday on January 28 to the Kacharpari on February 14, the city comes alive with troupes, street parades, traditional dances, live music and games with water, foam and paint.
Location: the entire city of Cusco and its provinces
One week after Carnival Sunday comes the Kacharpari, which marks the end of the festivities. In Cusco's Historic Center, you can enjoy dances, music and a taste of the local cuisine.
This traditional Carnival dish takes center stage on Cusco tables. Timpu, or puchero, is made with beef, potatoes, sweet potatoes, rice, chickpeas, corn and other vegetables. It is a hearty dish to share with family or friends during the celebrations.
In different Cusco neighborhoods, people celebrate the traditional yunza, which involves planting a tree decorated with gifts. While the music plays, participants dance around it and take turns striking the trunk with an axe.
The most exciting moment comes when the tree falls. Whoever brings it down is in charge of organizing the next year's yunza. This festive tradition combines symbolism, cooperation and a strong sense of community.
Holy Week is one of the most important religious celebrations on the Cusco calendar. It is lived with deep faith and tradition and brings together thousands of worshippers who fill churches, streets and squares with symbols of reflection, gratitude and hope. In 2027 it falls entirely in March. It all begins on Palm Sunday, March 21, when families go to church carrying crosses woven from palm leaves, which are blessed during mass. These crosses are then placed in homes as a symbol of protection and spiritual renewal, opening a week of reflection.
On Holy Monday, March 22, one of the most important events of the week takes place: the Procession of the Lord of the Earthquakes, the sworn patron of Cusco.
On Holy Thursday, March 25, the Last Supper is remembered, and many Cusco families keep the tradition of preparing twelve different dishes in honor of the twelve apostles. Some families follow this custom on Good Friday instead, depending on their beliefs and practices.
Good Friday, March 26, is a day of reflection and silence. The crucifixion and death of Jesus are commemorated with special masses, Stations of the Cross and moments of deep reflection across Cusco.
Holy Saturday, March 27, marks the shift toward hope, in a reflective mood as the city awaits the resurrection. Finally, the celebrations close on Easter Sunday, March 28, when the triumph of life over death is celebrated. Church bells ring out joyfully and masses are held throughout the city.
Location: Historic Center of Cusco
Holy Monday, the central day of Holy Week in Cusco, is lived with special intensity. On this date, the image of the Lord of the Earthquakes, sworn patron of the city, moves solemnly through the main streets of the Historic Center in a procession full of faith and emotion.
During the procession, balconies are decorated with flowers and fabrics, while people offer prayers, hymns and bunches of ñucchu, an Andean flower with an intense red color that symbolizes the blood of the crucified Christ. Traditionally cultivated, this flower is a distinctive element of this Cusco celebration.
At nightfall, around 7:00 p.m., the Plaza de Armas becomes the spiritual heart of the city. Thousands of people gather to receive the Lord's blessing in one of the most moving moments of Cusco's religious calendar. It is a collective expression of faith.
Ñucchu (Salvia oppositiflora) is an ancestral flower that grows in the highlands of southern Peru. Because of its deep red color and delicate shape, Cusco's faithful have adopted it as a symbol of devotion and sacrifice. Its use during the procession of the Lord of the Earthquakes is a living example of the union between Andean spirituality and Catholic tradition.
Location: Plaza Mayor of Lima
Reference date, subject to EMUFEC's official program.
Peru's capital hosts the official launch ceremony of the Cusco Festivals and the road to Inti Raymi, evoking the grandeur of Tahuantinsuyo and the continuity of its legacy.
The announcement is made by the provincial mayor before Peruvian citizens, national and international media and the general public. This event marks the start of a season of cultural celebrations that show the world Cusco's living identity.
Location: traditional neighborhoods of Cusco
Cruz Velacuy, or the Vigil of the Cross, is one of the most heartfelt religious celebrations in Cusco's traditional neighborhoods. During this festival, crosses, many of them brought down from the highlands, are placed in chapels or central spaces in each neighborhood, where people keep vigil over them all night with prayers, dances, songs, traditional food and a strong sense of community.
Location: Apu Ausangate, Sinakara Valley
Every year, around 90,000 pilgrims set out on a sacred journey toward Ausangate mountain, one of the most revered apus in Cusco. The route starts with a drive followed by a hike that ends at Sinakara, a natural sanctuary surrounded by mountains.
The date of the pilgrimage changes every year because it follows the feast of the Holy Trinity. In 2027, most pilgrims arrive on Trinity Sunday, May 23, and the central day is Tuesday, May 25, two days before Corpus Christi, with a dawn mass and the start of the return procession. The climb to the sanctuary usually begins before Sunday. During these days, devotion reaches its peak with ritual dances, chants and ceremonies that interweave Catholicism with ancient Andean beliefs. The Brotherhood publishes the official dates in advance, so it is worth confirming them before you travel. Organized by the Council of Pilgrim Nations and the Brotherhood of the Lord of Qoyllurit’i, this event has been recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The pilgrimage reaffirms the spiritual connection between people, the mountains and their ancient traditions.
Location: Urubamba, Sacred Valley of the Incas
The date changes every year and usually falls between mid-May and early June; confirm the program with the Urubamba parish.
In Urubamba, the spiritual heart of the Sacred Valley, one of the region's most traditional Catholic festivals takes place. The Lord of Torrechayoc, represented by a cross adorned with jewels and fine textiles, is honored by the faithful with masses, processions, dances and traditional dishes. The main altar is in the neighborhood of the same name, just 10 minutes from the town center. For several days, religious devotion and popular celebration fill the streets with fireworks, brass bands and traditional dances, creating a unique bond between faith and living culture.
Location: Plaza de Armas, Plaza San Francisco, Cusco
The Corpus Christi entrance procession in Cusco is one of the most important and visually striking celebrations on the Andean festival calendar. Every year, on the eve of the main day, 15 images of saints and virgins make their way through the streets to Cusco Cathedral in a procession of music, dance and devotion that draws both locals and travelers from around the world. This Catholic celebration incorporates Andean beliefs, creating a one-of-a-kind spectacle.
Location: Plaza de Armas of Cusco
Corpus Christi 2027 keeps alive one of Cusco's oldest and most emblematic religious traditions. Its date changes every year according to the liturgical calendar, and in 2027 it moves up to late May. Thousands of worshippers and travelers gather to watch the great procession of fifteen images of saints and virgins, carried on the shoulders of bearers from the city's main churches to Cusco Cathedral. Each brotherhood organizes brass bands, dances and offerings that accompany the route, creating an atmosphere of deep devotion and faith.
Location: Plaza San Francisco, Cusco
Chiriuchu, which means “cold chili” in Quechua, is much more than a traditional dish. It is an ancestral combination of ingredients that represents the richness of Peru's different ecological regions.
Traditionally served during Corpus Christi, it brings together ingredients such as cochayuyo, boiled hen, alpaca jerky, Cusco-style sausage, fish roe, cheese, toasted corn, rocoto pepper, seaweed (kori) and corn tortilla.
Location: streets of Cusco's Historic Center
Reference date, subject to EMUFEC's official program.
The city fills with energy during the Gran Carrera Qosqo 10K Hatun Phaway, a sporting event that marks the start of the celebrations for Cusco's Jubilee Month. Local, national and international runners cover 10 kilometers along a route that passes iconic spots in the imperial city, promoting physical activity, healthy tourism and cultural integration.
Dates for the municipal events of the Jubilee Month, such as the opening offering, the parades and the Lights and Sound show, are for reference only and depend on the official program EMUFEC publishes each year. Where a specific parade day is mentioned, it follows the 2026 schedule and may change in 2027.
Location: Plaza de Armas of Cusco
Reference date, subject to EMUFEC's official program. In recent years it has been held on June 1.
The Cusco Festivals officially begin with an ancestral ceremony in honor of Mother Earth.
This day opens the Jubilee Month with a ritual of thanks to Pachamama, a sacred symbol of fertility and abundance in the Andean worldview. Organized by EMUFEC (Cusco Municipal Festivals Company), the ceremony includes coca leaves, chicha de jora and floral offerings, reviving Cusco's deep connection with the land that sustains it.
Location: Plaza Mayor of Cusco
Eight days after Corpus Christi, the sacred images come out in one last procession to bid farewell to the people of Cusco. Tradition says that during those days the saints “have been talking” about how their devotees have behaved. The Octave closes the celebration before each image returns to its own church. It is a solemn farewell that reaffirms the deep link between Catholic faith and Cusco's cultural identity.
Location: Plaza Mayor of Cusco
Reference dates, taken from the 2026 program and subject to EMUFEC's official calendar.
As part of Cusco's Jubilee Month, the city's universities pay tribute with an artistic parade full of cultural identity. Each institution presents traditional dances and allegorical performances that reflect its commitment to Andean culture and its ties to the community. This was the 2026 order; it may change in 2027:
A parade that showcases young talent, regional pride and the vitality of a culture that stays alive in each new generation.
Location: Plaza Mayor of Cusco
Reference dates, subject to EMUFEC's official program. In 2026 there was no parade on June 17 or 18.
Dozens of public and private schools in Cusco come together to honor the city through traditional dance. Each group presents traditional costumes, ancestral choreographies and cultural expressions that reflect the diversity and richness of Andean communities. It is a show that not only honors the past but also inspires new generations to keep their heritage alive. The 2026 schedule, pending confirmation for 2027, was as follows:
Location: Plaza Mayor of Cusco
Reference date. In 2026 it took place on June 19, the same day as the secondary school parade; EMUFEC confirms the date each year.
EMUFEC presents the Lights and Sound Cusco 2027 show, a visual and musical experience that lights up Cusco Cathedral with light effects, live music and fireworks.
For about four hours or a little longer, thousands of people, locals and travelers alike, enjoy an unforgettable night as part of the festive spirit of the Jubilee Month. It is one of the most awaited events in Cusco, combining technology, art and emotion. The show starts in the afternoon and ends around 10:00 p.m., although the schedule may vary.
Location: all of Cusco and Andean regions in general
On June 21, 2027, when the sun reaches its lowest point in the Southern Hemisphere sky, Andean communities celebrate the Andean New Year (Machaq Mara in Aymara, Inti Raymi in Quechua), which coincides with the winter solstice. It is a sacred time of renewal and hope: the rebirth of the sun (Inti), the source of life, after the longest night of the year.
At dawn, communities gather at ceremonial sites, often high places such as mountains or temples, to welcome the first rays of sunlight with outstretched arms as a sign of gratitude and to ask for blessings for the new year. This age-old ritual, now celebrated with renewed pride in places like Cusco, Puno, Bolivia and other Andean regions, is also a way of preserving culture and honoring the legacy of the ancient peoples of Tawantinsuyu. It is often accompanied by dances, offerings to Pachamama (Mother Earth) and other rituals.
Locations: Qorikancha, Plaza de Armas, Sacsayhuamán
Inti Raymi is one of Cusco's most important and traditional events and is held every June 24. It is the central day of Cusco's Jubilee Month and one of the most important ceremonies on the Andean calendar.
Inspired by the ancient Inca ritual in honor of Inti, the Sun god, the event is held close to the winter solstice, a key moment in the Andean farming cycle. The ancient inhabitants believed the sun had to be honored to ensure plentiful harvests and the well-being of the empire.
The reenactment is divided into three main acts, which take place at some of the most sacred sites of ancient Qosqo.
First act: Qorikancha
The ceremony begins at the Temple of the Sun, Qorikancha, with the appearance of the Sinchi (Commanding General of the Inca army) and his troops. They are followed by the Acllas, women chosen for their grace and wisdom and considered the most beautiful women in the empire.
The Tika Taqaqkunas also take part, scattering flowers along the ceremonial path walked by the Inca and his wife, the Qoya. All of this is accompanied by the sound of quenas and pututus, traditional instruments that evoke the sacred power of music. This first act lasts about 30 minutes.
Second act: Plaza de Armas of Cusco
The royal procession heads to the historic Plaza de Armas, where the Sinchi, the imperial army and representatives of the four suyos of Tahuantinsuyo appear: Chinchaysuyo, Contisuyo, Antisuyo and Collasuyo.
The Inca and the High Priest of the Sun make a symbolic offering at an altar set up in the center of the square to ensure good harvests, balance and prosperity for the empire.
This act lasts about 40 minutes and stands out for its solemnity, symbolic power and visual grandeur.
Final act: Sacsayhuamán
The climax takes place at the archaeological complex of Sacsayhuamán, one of the most impressive works of the Inca legacy. This is where the largest number of musicians, dancers, priests and representatives of the four regions of the empire come together, with each group entering with its own traditional dances.
Various offerings are made, including the symbolic sacrifice of a llama, considered the main ritual of the ceremony. The final scene closes with a moving speech by the Inca in Quechua, announcing good omens for his people and reaffirming the connection between the earth, the sun and the spirit of the Andean people.
Location: Paucartambo, Cusco
During these days, Paucartambo becomes a center of faith, culture and color. Every July 16, the town celebrates the feast of the Virgen del Carmen, affectionately known as “Mamacha Carmen” and considered one of the most important folk celebrations in Peru.
Thousands of worshippers and visitors travel from Cusco, a trip of about two hours or a little more, to honor the town's spiritual patron. The streets fill with dance troupes, brass bands and a solemn procession through the town center. More than a dozen troupes portray different characters with their own costumes and choreographies, including the famous saqras, figures in demon masks who playfully interact with the crowd and represent the eternal struggle between good and evil.
Location: Plaza de Armas of Cusco
Every July 28, schools, government agencies, police and military forces parade through the Plaza Mayor in honor of the nation, in front of local authorities and residents. The day begins with a mass at Cusco Cathedral, followed by the solemn raising of the Peruvian flag. Brass bands, ceremonial uniforms and patriotic spirit fill the Historic Center, recalling the legacy of freedom shared by all Peruvians.
Location: Plaza Regocijo, Cusco
EMUFEC has not published the 2027 date. It is usually scheduled during the Cusco Festivals.
Cusco Invita is a food event organized by EMUFEC and open to the public. During this celebration, Plaza Regocijo becomes a space full of flavor, where you can try signature dishes from Cusco and Peruvian cuisine.
The festive mood is rounded out with live music, traditional dances and an atmosphere that celebrates Peru's culinary diversity. Cusco, recognized as one of the country's top food destinations, opens its kitchen to the world in this celebration of tradition, creativity and flavor.
Location: the entire Cusco region
August 1 marks a sacred date on the Andean calendar: Pachamama Day. Since ancient times, Andean communities have made offerings to Mother Earth, giving thanks for what they have received and asking for abundance in the new farming cycle.
The offerings include chicha de jora, coca leaves, cigarettes, sweets, sometimes port wine and other ritual items passed down from generation to generation.
It is a tradition that reaffirms the spiritual connection between the earth, human beings and the universe.
Location: Plaza San Cristóbal, Cusco
Local celebration; confirm the program with the San Cristóbal parish.
Devotion to the patron saint of transport workers is celebrated joyfully in Plaza San Cristóbal. On this day, the area around the church fills with music, dances and religious expressions. The celebration includes cultural activities, masses, food fairs and craft exhibitions, creating an atmosphere that brings together tradition and community.
Location: Calca and Pisac, Sacred Valley
Known as Mamacha Asunta, the Virgen Asunta is the patron of Calca and one of the most beloved Marian figures in the Sacred Valley. Her feast is celebrated with festive dances, lively choreographies and expressions of popular faith that draw local visitors as well as travelers from across Peru and abroad.
Location: Taray, Calca, Pisac, Tinta (Canchis)
The feast in honor of San Bartolomé is celebrated with songs, dances and traditional music played on bandurrias and quenas. This traditional celebration takes place mainly in the district of Tinta from August 22 to 26 and is also held in other towns of the Sacred Valley.
Location: Plaza de Armas of Cusco
Santa Rosa de Lima, Patron Saint of the Americas and the Philippines, is honored with a civic and religious ceremony in Cusco's Plaza Mayor. Civil, military and police authorities, along with institutions that consider her their patron, take part in a parade that combines solemnity and religious devotion. Observed throughout Peru as a national holiday, this celebration stands out in Cusco for the presence of the Peruvian National Police and other security forces, who pay tribute to their patron.
Location: Almudena neighborhood, Cusco
The festivities begin on August 29 with the traditional flower procession, a route that starts at Plaza San Francisco and ends at the Almudena Church, filling the streets of the Historic Center with color and fragrance. On the main day, September 8, solemn masses, music and traditional dances accompany the procession of the Virgin through the Almudena neighborhood.
Location: San Salvador district, Sanctuary of the Lord of Huanca, Cusco
Every September 14, thousands of worshippers travel to the Sanctuary of the Lord of Huanca in the district of San Salvador, 48 km from the city of Cusco. The image of the suffering Christ is a symbol of healing, faith and hope, and it draws pilgrims from all over Peru and abroad. Surrounded by mountains, the sanctuary is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the country.
Location: Mollepata, Anta province
The Señor de la Exaltación is honored with great devotion in Mollepata, where communities from all over Anta province gather every year. Deeply rooted in popular tradition, this festival brings together hundreds of pilgrims from different parts of Cusco to take part in masses, processions, music and traditional dances.
Location: main square of San Jerónimo district, Cusco
From September 28 to October 2, the feast in honor of San Jerónimo, patron of the district of the same name, is one of the month's most representative religious celebrations. It draws not only San Jerónimo residents but also troupes and delegations from nearby Cusco districts.
The program includes traditional dance contests, music festivals, art exhibitions and food fairs that showcase the best of local culture. During the celebration, you can also try signature dishes such as traditional chiriuchu and ancestral drinks like chicha de jora.
Location: Historic Center of Cusco and districts such as San Sebastián and San Jerónimo
The Lord of Miracles has its main celebration in Lima, where the central day is October 18 and other processions take place during the month, such as the one on October 28. In Cusco, activities begin on October 1 with the mass that opens the Purple Month and the blessing of the religious habits. The central day in Cusco is also October 18, with processions through various streets of the city, including visits to institutions and prisons. The Purple Month ends on October 31 with a special mass. Keep in mind that it is not a national holiday.
Location: Historic Center of Cusco
Every October 31, the Historic Center fills with coastal music, traditional dances and cultural activities that celebrate Peru's Creole spirit. Open-air concerts, marinera performances and samples of traditional Peruvian food blend with Cusco's heritage in a day that celebrates one of the most authentic expressions of national identity.
Location: Oropesa, Cusco
On this date, homes and cemeteries in Oropesa fill with altars dedicated to the departed, decorated with flowers, candles, fruit, sweets and the iconic t'anta wawas: breads shaped like children, horses or other figures that represent the cycle of life. The mood is festive and family-oriented, with tables full of chancho al horno (roast pork), Cusco-style corn tamales and other traditional treats. In squares and markets such as Plaza Túpac Amaru, many food stalls offer these flavors that connect generations.
Location: Cusco and rural communities
Following the All Saints' Day celebrations, the Day of the Dead is a more intimate occasion on which families honor their departed loved ones. Altars are set up at home with objects, photographs and the favorite foods of the deceased, since it is believed they return to share the occasion with their loved ones. This tradition is especially important in Cusco's rural communities.
Location: Plaza de Armas of Cusco
Every Christmas Eve, the Plaza de Armas turns into a huge Andean market that celebrates faith and folk art. Santurantikuy, which means “buy me a little saint” in Quechua, is a traditional fair that brings together hundreds of artisans from Cusco and other provinces, who display their finest work: nativity scenes, religious figures, textiles, ceramics, wood carvings and Christmas decorations.
Location: Plaza de Armas of Cusco
On the night of December 31, the Plaza de Armas becomes a huge meeting point where locals and travelers gather to celebrate with music, dancing, rituals and fireworks. Among the most popular rituals, many people take flower baths prepared with herbs, flowers and essences believed to cleanse negative energy and bring well-being. Others choose to wear yellow, a symbol of good luck and abundance for the year ahead.
Inti Raymi, held every June 24, is one of Cusco's most representative festivals. This ceremony recreates the ancient Inca Festival of the Sun and takes place mainly at Qorikancha, the Plaza de Armas and Sacsayhuamán.
June is one of the busiest months for celebrations, since it brings the Cusco Festivals, Corpus Christi and Inti Raymi. That said, religious, cultural and traditional festivals take place throughout the year.
Not all of them. Some celebrations have fixed dates, such as Inti Raymi on June 24 and Santurantikuy on December 24. Others, such as Carnival, Holy Week and Corpus Christi, change every year according to the religious calendar.
Many activities, parades and processions can be watched for free from public spaces. However, some events may require a ticket, such as certain seating areas for Inti Raymi at Sacsayhuamán, or booking tour services to attend the celebrations.
During celebrations such as Inti Raymi, Corpus Christi or Holy Week, the number of visitors can rise considerably. Book your accommodation, transportation, tours and tickets in advance, and be prepared for possible street closures or traffic restrictions in the Historic Center.
Many of the most important celebrations take place in the Historic Center and the Plaza de Armas of Cusco, although some are also held in churches, districts, communities and nearby archaeological sites.
Happy passengers