Major Events & Festivals in Cusco, Cusco, Peru
1. Inti Raymi
An Incan festival celebrated annually on June 24th at Sacsayhuaman, honoring the sun god Inti. It showcases traditional dances, music, and costume parades.
- Authentic Experience: Provides a glimpse into Incan culture and traditions.
- Community Engagement: Involves the participation of local people in traditional rituals.
- Colorful Atmosphere: Offers vibrant and lively celebrations with Incan and modern elements.
2. Qoyllur Riti
A three-day festival held in early June at the Santuario de Sicllaccasa, where thousands of pilgrims gather to worship the sun and snow Virgin.
- Religious Significance: Offers a unique opportunity to witness religious devotion.
- Community Participation: Involves active participation of the local Qhapaq Nacha community.
- Scenic Beauty: Takes place at a beautiful mountain location with stunning views.
3. Corpus Christi Procession
A procession held on June 3rd in Cusco's historical center, featuring ornate floats and traditional music.
- Cultural Richness: Offers a rich display of Cusco's cultural heritage.
- Historical Significance: Traces its roots back to the Spanish conquest.
- Festival Atmosphere: Provides a festive and lively atmosphere in Cusco's historical center.
4. Fiesta de la Candelaria
A religious festival held annually on February 2nd in Pisac, featuring traditional music, dances, and food.
- Cultural Immersion: Provides an immersive experience into local culture.
- Community Bonding: Brings together the community for a shared celebration.
- Unique Traditions: Showcases unique traditions and rituals associated with the festival.
5. Fiesta de la Virgen del Carmen
A religious festival held in August in the town of Chinchero, featuring processions, music, and food.
- Cultural Exploration: Offers an opportunity to explore local culture and traditions.
- Community Unity: Brings the community together for a day of celebration.
- Scenic Location: Takes place in the picturesque town of Chinchero.
6. Fiesta de la Virgen del Rosario
A religious festival held in October in the town of Maras, featuring processions and traditional music.
- Cultural Insight: Provides insight into local beliefs and traditions.
- Community Celebration: Brings the community together for a day of celebration.
- Scenic Setting: Takes place in the beautiful town of Maras, surrounded by terraced salt pans.
7. Fiesta de San Sebastian
A festival held in January in the town of Ollantaytambo, featuring bullfights, music, and food.
- Cultural Experience: Offers a unique insight into Peruvian bullfighting traditions.
- Community Gathering: Brings the community together for a day of celebration.
- Scenic Location: Takes place in the picturesque town of Ollantaytambo.
8. Fiesta de la Cruz del Cuzco
A festival held on May 3rd in Cusco, featuring a procession to the Cross of Cusco with traditional music and dance.
- Historical Significance: Traces its roots back to the Incan Empire.
- Community Bonding: Brings the community together for a shared celebration.
- Cultural Experience: Offers a unique insight into Cusco's cultural heritage.
9. Fiesta de San Valentin
A festival held on February 14th in Pisac, featuring music, dance, and food.
- Cultural Immersion: Provides an immersive experience into local culture.
- Community Unity: Brings the community together for a day of celebration.
- Romantic Atmosphere: Offers a romantic atmosphere with roses and serenades.
10. Fiesta de San Juan
A festival held on June 24th in various towns including Chinchero, featuring music, dance, and food.
- Cultural Exploration: Offers an opportunity to explore local culture and traditions.
- Community Celebration: Brings the community together for a day of celebration.
- Scenic Setting: Takes place in picturesque towns like Chinchero.
11. Fiesta de la Virgen del Carmen de Huaro
A festival held on July 16th in the town of Huaro, featuring a procession to the local church with traditional music and dance.
- Cultural Experience: Offers a unique insight into Peruvian cultural traditions.
- Community Bonding: Brings the community together for a shared celebration.
- Scenic Location: Takes place in the beautiful town of Huaro.
12. Fiesta de San Isidro Labrador
A festival held on May 15th in various towns including Cusco and Sacsayhuaman, featuring music, dance, and food.
- Cultural Immersion: Provides an immersive experience into local culture.
- Community Unity: Brings the community together for a day of celebration.
- Historical Significance: Traces its roots back to the Incan Empire.
13. Fiesta de Santa Rosa de Lima
A festival held on August 30th in various towns including Cusco, featuring music, dance, and food.
- Cultural Exploration: Offers an opportunity to explore local culture and traditions.
- Community Celebration: Brings the community together for a day of celebration.
- Historical Significance: Celebrates the life and legacy of Saint Rosa de Lima, the first American-born saint.
14. Fiesta de San Cristobal
A festival held on July 10th in Ollantaytambo, featuring a procession to the local church with traditional music and dance.
- Cultural Experience: Offers a unique insight into Peruvian cultural traditions.
- Community Bonding: Brings the community together for a shared celebration.
- Scenic Location: Takes place in the picturesque town of Ollantaytambo.
15. Fiesta de San Bartolome
A festival held on August 24th in various towns including Chinchero, featuring music, dance, and food.
- Cultural Immersion: Provides an immersive experience into local culture.
- Community Unity: Brings the community together for a day of celebration.
- Scenic Setting: Takes place in picturesque towns like Chinchero.