Major Events & Festivals in Arequipa, Peru

1. Fiesta de San Juan

Celebrated on June 24th, this festival honors the city's patron saint with traditional dances and music.

Traditional Dances: Witness unique and vibrant dances like the Diablada and Carnavalito.
Musical Performances: Enjoy live music, including the distinctive sound of Andean panpipes.
Local Cuisine: Savor traditional Peruvian dishes during the festive feasts.

A solemn procession held on June 3rd that features a beautiful and intricate silver monstrance.

Silver Monstrance: Admire the elaborate, silver craftsmanship of the monstrance.
Historical Significance: Understand the deep religious and cultural significance of this tradition.
Community Involvement: Observe the active participation of Arequipa's residents in the procession.

Held in mid-May, this festival offers an opportunity to witness the majestic Andean condor up close.

Condor Watching: Experience the awe of observing condors soaring through the sky.
Natural Beauty: Appreciate the breathtaking landscapes of Colca Canyon and the surrounding area.
Cultural Activities: Participate in traditional music, dance, and craft demonstrations.

Celebrated on August 8th, this festival honors a miraculous image of the Virgin Mary in a nearby cave.

Cave Visit: Visit the sacred cave where the Virgin's image is located.
Religious Ceremony: Participate in a moving religious procession and mass.
Local Customs: Learn about the unique customs and traditions associated with this event.

A local celebration of the Inca sun god, Inti, held on June 24th.

Incan Traditions: Experience a blend of traditional Andean and Incan rituals.
Dramatic Reenactments: Witness a vivid reenactment of an ancient Incan ceremony.
Cultural Performances: Enjoy traditional music, dance, and costume displays.

Celebrated on July 28th and 29th, this national holiday honors Peru's independence.

Parades: Watch colorful parades featuring traditional music and dance.
National Pride: Experience the strong sense of Peruvian national pride during this holiday.
Local Festivities: Participate in local celebrations, including feasts and fireworks.

Celebrated on November 1st and 2nd, this festival honors the souls of the departed.

Grave Visits: Visit local cemeteries to see the unique decorations and offerings.
Cultural Practices: Learn about the traditions and beliefs surrounding this festival.
Community Gathering: Join the community in celebrating their ancestors.

A unique festival held on December 24th in Sabandia, featuring cuy (guinea pig) dishes.

Local Delicacy: Taste the local specialty, cuy, roasted whole over an open fire.
Cultural Customs: Learn about the customs and traditions surrounding this festival.
Community Gathering: Join the community in celebrating their unique culinary heritage.

Held on September 24th, this festival honors the Virgin of Mercy in Yanahuara.

Virgin Statue: Visit the beautiful statue of the Virgin of Mercy.
Religious Procession: Participate in a moving religious procession through Yanahuara.
Local Celebrations: Enjoy local music, dance, and food during the festival.

Held on May 15th, this festival honors the city's patron saint with a lively procession and festivities.

Procession: Join the vibrant procession through Arequipa's streets.
Local Music: Enjoy live performances of traditional Andean music.
Festive Atmosphere: Immerse yourself in the joyous and lively atmosphere of the festival.

Celebrated on May 3rd, this festival honors the cross that marks the entrance to Arequipa.

Cross Visit: Visit the iconic cross that watches over the city.
Community Gathering: Join the community in celebrating their beloved landmark.
Traditional Dances: Witness traditional dances and music performances.

Celebrated on January 6th, this festival honors the Three Wise Men who visited Jesus.

Magi Visit: Witness the arrival of the Three Wise Men in a lively procession.
Local Celebrations: Join the community in celebrating this important holiday.
Gift Giving: Participate in the tradition of giving gifts and sweets to loved ones.

Held on June 24th, this festival celebrates the sun and moon with traditional dances and music.

Dances and Music: Enjoy live performances of traditional Andean dances and music.
Cultural Significance: Understand the cultural significance of the sun and moon in Andean traditions.
Community Gathering: Join the community in celebrating this important festival.

Held on February 2nd, this festival honors the Virgin of Candelaria with a lively procession and festivities.

Procession: Join the vibrant procession through Arequipa's streets.
Local Music: Enjoy live performances of traditional Andean music.
Festive Atmosphere: Immerse yourself in the joyous and lively atmosphere of the festival.

Held in July, this festival celebrates Arequipa's flowers with colorful parades and competitions.

Parade of Flowers: Watch the beautiful procession of floats adorned with various flowers.
Flower Competitions: Participate in or observe the various flower competitions.
Local Crafts and Food: Discover local crafts, food, and traditions inspired by Arequipa's flowers.