Carnaval or Easter in Peru? Which Should You Time Your Peru Trip For?

Carnaval and Easter in Peru are drastically different celebrations, and for some travelers it can be a tough decision as to which celebration you should plan your Peru holiday around. While Carnaval is better known for its wild abandon, street parties, and costumed dancers, Easter and the week leading up to it is bursting with centuries-old Catholic and Quechua tradition, religious processions, and unique cuisine. What follows is meant to help you determine which celebration best fits into the Peru vacation of your dreams

The Case for Celebrating Carnaval in Peru

Carnival in Southern Peru

If you’ll be traveling Peru with your family in tow, then attending Carnaval is a no brainer. Carnaval in Peru consists of citywide water balloon and spray foam street battles, alongside music-filled parades around town. What child, or child at heart, wouldn’t jump at the chance to experience that? Additionally, many Andean communities still partake in the Yunza tree tradition where a decorated and gift-laden tree is hacked at with a machete until the gifts fall and spectators swoop in to collect their prize.

When is Carnaval? The week before the start of Lent.

Where to Celebrate: Countrywide, however Cajamarca and Lima are known to host some of the most extravagant Carnaval celebrations

The Case for Celebrating Easter in Peru

Semana Santa

While you won’t likely bump into the Easter bunny or an egg hunt come Easter season in Peru, you will experience Peru’s devout Catholic side. Holy Week, or Semana Santa as it’s locally known, begins with Palm Sunday and ends with Easter Sunday where music, dancing, and parades take place around the country to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In the week between the two, there are processions and vigils, as well as feasts like the much-anticipated 12 dishes meal to symbolize the last supper.

When is Semana Santa? Usually in March or April, depending on when Easter falls in any given year.

Where to Celebrate: Cusco is hands down one of the best places to experience Semana Santa and Easter Sunday. In addition to the typical Holy Week festivities, the city celebrates the Senor de los Temblores (Lord of the Earthquakes), a statue of Jesus Christ that is attributed with stopping an earthquake in Cusco in 1650. The statue is carried through town and showered with red ñucchu flowers.

Plan Your Custom Vacation in Peru with Kuoda

Our team of Kuoda Travel Designers can help walk you through your toughest travel decisions and dilemmas, from whether to travel to Peru for Carnaval or Easter to whether you should cruise the Amazon or stay in a jungle lodge instead. We’re here to help you plan a Peru travel itinerary that fits you to a tee.

Fascinating facts you should know about the Incas
December 15, 2023
History & Culture

Fascinating Facts You Should Know About the Incas

Curious to know some facts about the Incas? Explore Inca Heritage with Kuoda Travel. Well, for starters, depen...

Read Post
4 Ways To Immerse Your Family in Local Culture on Your Luxury Trip To South America-2
August 21, 2023
History & Culture

4 Ways To Immerse Your Family in Local Culture on Your Luxury Trip To South America

If you’re planning a luxury trip to South America for the entire family and want to include some kid-friendl...

Read Post
Must See Art and Culture Experiences In Argentina
August 18, 2023
History & Culture

11 Must-See Art and Culture Experiences In Argentina

Overflowing with creativity and passion, art and culture experiences in Argentina are not difficult to find. F...

Read Post