Peruvian Festivals : A Calendar of Cultural Celebrations

April 25, 2025 | by: Kuoda Authors

Peru is a country where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with modern celebrations, creating a unique cultural landscape filled with lively festivals, colorful parades, and spiritual ceremonies. From the grand spectacle of Inti Raymi in Cusco to the mystical Festival de la Candelaria in Puno, Peruvian festivals offer travelers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in the country’s rich heritage. Whether you seek religious processions, folkloric dances, or high-energy street parties, Kuoda Travel curates exclusive experiences that allow you to witness these extraordinary events in the most personalized way.

January – The Marinera Festival (Trujillo)

One of Peru’s most elegant and vibrant festivals, the Marinera Festival in Trujillo celebrates the country’s national dance—the Marinera, a graceful courtship dance reflecting Peru’s Spanish, African, and Indigenous influences. Visitors can enjoy dazzling dance competitions, colorful parades, and equestrian performances featuring Peruvian Paso horses. Kuoda Travel arranges exclusive seats at the festival’s grand finale and private lessons with renowned Marinera dancers for a truly immersive experience.

February – The Festival de la Candelaria (Puno)

Declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO, the Festival de la Candelaria in Puno is one of South America’s most extravagant celebrations. This Andean festival, rooted in Catholic and Indigenous traditions, brings together thousands of dancers, musicians, and elaborate masked performers to honor the Virgin of Candelaria. Travelers can experience this spectacle from a VIP viewing area, join a behind-the-scenes tour with costume designers, and even participate in a traditional dance workshop with local performers.

March/April – Semana Santa (Holy Week) – Cusco & Ayacucho

Easter in Peru is marked by Semana Santa, a solemn yet visually striking celebration featuring dramatic processions, candlelit vigils, and intricate flower-carpet displays. Ayacucho is especially famous for its nine days of religious parades, while Cusco offers a blend of Catholic and Inca traditions during its celebrations. Kuoda Travel provides insider access to private ceremonies, historic churches, and exclusive accommodations overlooking the processions.

June – Inti Raymi: The Festival of the Sun (Cusco)

Perhaps the most iconic of all Peruvian festivals, Inti Raymi, the ancient Inca Festival of the Sun, is a must-see cultural event in Cusco. Held on June 24, the festival recreates an Inca ritual honoring Inti, the Sun God, with elaborate ceremonies, traditional music, and theatrical reenactments in the historic Sacsayhuamán fortress. Kuoda Travel arranges VIP seating, expert-led historical tours, and private Inca-style feasts to provide an unforgettable journey into Peru’s past.

July – Fiestas Patrias: Peru’s Independence Day (Nationwide)

Peru’s Independence Day, celebrated on July 28-29, is a nationwide event filled with patriotic parades, grand fireworks, and lively street performances. Lima, as the capital, hosts the most elaborate festivities, including the presidential address and a grand military parade. Kuoda Travel ensures exclusive access to private viewing areas, gourmet dinners featuring traditional dishes, and guided city tours showcasing Peru’s revolutionary history.

September – Mistura: Peru’s Biggest Food Festival (Lima)

Food lovers will delight in Mistura, Latin America’s most celebrated gastronomic festival, held in Lima. This event brings together top Peruvian chefs, street food vendors, and local farmers to showcase Peru’s world-famous cuisine. Travelers can enjoy private tastings of ceviche, Pisco pairings, and interactive cooking classes with some of Peru’s most renowned culinary masters, arranged exclusively by Kuoda Travel.

October – El Señor de los Milagros (The Lord of Miracles) – Lima

One of the most deeply spiritual events in Peru, El Señor de los Milagros is a massive Catholic procession held in Lima, honoring a 17th-century mural of Christ that miraculously survived multiple earthquakes. The city is flooded with faithful followers dressed in purple, carrying an enormous religious icon through the streets. Kuoda Travel offers a privileged perspective of this revered tradition through expert-led cultural tours and exclusive balcony seating.

November – All Saints’ Day (Nationwide)

Celebrated on November 1st, All Saints’ Day is a time for family gatherings, special masses, and traditional feasts honoring deceased loved ones. In Cusco and the Sacred Valley, visitors can witness elaborate altars, cemetery celebrations, and age-old Andean customs. Kuoda Travel arranges cultural immersions with local families, offering travelers a chance to experience the warmth of Peruvian traditions firsthand.

December – Christmas & Santurantikuy Market (Cusco)

Christmas in Peru is a blend of Spanish colonial customs and Indigenous Andean traditions. The highlight of the season is Santurantikuy, Cusco’s famous Christmas Eve market, where local artisans gather in the Plaza de Armas to sell handcrafted nativity scenes, pottery, and unique gifts. Kuoda Travel provides a personalized shopping experience, complete with private artisan meet-and-greets and traditional Christmas dinners featuring Peruvian holiday specialties like panetón and hot chocolate.

Experience Peru’s Festivals with Kuoda Travel

From sacred Inca rituals to colorful folk celebrations, Peruvian festivals offer an unforgettable glimpse into the country’s cultural heart. At Kuoda Travel, we create tailor-made festival experiences that provide exclusive access, expert insights, and luxury accommodations, ensuring that each celebration is witnessed in the most immersive and comfortable way possible.

Contact us today to plan your journey around one of Peru’s incredible cultural festivals and experience the magic firsthand!