We will venture into the vibrant festivities of Cusco, a city brimming with life and tradition throughout the year. From ancient Inca ceremonies to Christian celebrations and folk festivals, Cusco is a melting pot of festivities that reflect the diversity and history of the Andean region. Every cobblestone street and plaza in Cusco is infused with a festive energy that invites visitors to join the celebration. With colorful dances, live music, religious processions, and gastronomic delights, the festivities in Cusco offer a unique experience that captivates the senses and fills the heart with joy.
From the majestic Inti Raymi, an ancestral ceremony honoring the sun god, to the vibrant Cusco Carnival, which marks the beginning of the harvest season, each festival in this city has its own charm and special significance. Come follow us and let’s explore together the most outstanding festivities of Cusco, discovering their origins, traditions, and the passion with which they are celebrated by locals and visitors alike. Get ready to immerse yourself in the magic of the festivities in Cusco and celebrate the traditions that make this city a truly unique destination. Keep reading to discover more.
Table of Contents
Cusco Carnival
This joyous and dazzling celebration is held with great enthusiasm and passion in the streets of Cusco and its surroundings. The Cusco Carnival takes place during the week leading up to Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent in the Christian calendar. The exact dates may vary from year to year, but it usually falls in late February or early March.
During Carnival, the streets of Cusco are filled with music, dances, and colorful parades, while locals and visitors immerse themselves in an atmosphere of joy and celebration. The main activities include the traditional “yunza,” where a tree decorated with gifts is planted, and participants dance around it, and the “water balloon war,” where fun is guaranteed for all ages.
In addition to the street festivities, the Cusco Carnival also includes cultural events, costume contests, and presentations of music and folk dances, offering a complete and diverse experience for those looking to venture into the culture and tradition of the region.
In short, the Cusco Carnival is a celebration full of life and color that reflects the joy and vitality of the Cusco people. Come and join the party as you discover the magic of this centuries-old tradition that continues to captivate locals and visitors alike.
Lord of the Earthquakes Festival
Let us prepare our hearts towards the Lord in this Holy Week, a time of deep reflection and tradition leading to one of the most impressive and significant processions in the region: the procession of the Lord of the Earthquakes. Holy Week, which commemorates the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, is celebrated with religious fervor throughout the Christian world. In Cusco, this festivity takes on special significance with the procession of the Lord of the Earthquakes, one of the oldest and most revered in the American continent.
The procession takes place on Holy Monday afternoon, when thousands of faithful gather in the Plaza de Armas of Cusco to witness the passage of the Lord of the Earthquakes through the cobblestone streets of the city. The image of the crucified Christ, known as the Lord of the Earthquakes for its supposed ability to protect the city from earthquakes, is carried on a litter by a group of devotees dressed in purple robes, while a band of musicians accompanies the procession with religious chants and funeral marches. The procession is a moment of deep emotion and faith for the inhabitants of Cusco, who fill the streets to pay homage to their patron saint and ask for his protection and blessing. For visitors, it is a unique opportunity to witness one of the most important and moving traditions of Holy Week in Peru.
This religious event is an emblematic event of Holy Week in Cusco that reflects the devotion and spirituality of the Cusco people. ¡Come and join this unique experience as you immerse yourself in the tradition and faith of one of the most important celebrations of the religious calendar!
Corpus Christi
It is one of the most important and colorful religious festivals in the Andean region. This celebration, which combines elements of Christian tradition with ancient Inca customs, is a vibrant display of the cultural and spiritual richness of the city.
Corpus Christi is celebrated 60 days after Easter Sunday, and in Cusco, the festival reaches its peak with a series of events that include processions, masses, folk dances, and traditional rituals. The Plaza de Armas of Cusco becomes the epicenter of the celebrations, where thousands of faithful gather to pay homage to the Blessed Sacrament and participate in the festivities.
One of the highlights of Corpus Christi in Cusco is the procession of patron saints, which includes religious images from the main churches and communities of the region. These images are carried on litters by devotees dressed in traditional costumes, while music bands accompany the procession with festive melodies.
In addition to the processions, there are also a series of rituals and traditions that have their roots in Inca culture, such as the blessing of the fields and the preparation of traditional dishes. These practices show the unique fusion of Catholic faith and indigenous beliefs that characterize the region.
Corpus Christi in Cusco is a unique celebration that combines the religiosity, tradition, and culture of the Andean region. Come and join this unforgettable festival as you delve into the spirituality and fervor of one of the most important celebrations of the religious calendar.
Qoyllur Rit’i
It is one of the most impressive and unique festivals in the Andean region. This celebration, which combines elements of Catholicism with ancient indigenous traditions, is a vibrant display of the cultural and spiritual richness of the area.
Qoyllur Rit’i, which means “Bright Snow” in Quechua, takes place at the Sinakara Sanctuary, located on the Ausangate mountain, a few hours from the city of Cusco. This festival, which takes place during the harvest season between late May and early June, attracts thousands of pilgrims from all over Peru and the world.
The celebration of Qoyllur Rit’i is marked by a series of rituals and ceremonies that honor both the Virgin of Carmen and the mountain deities. Pilgrims undertake long walks from their communities to the Sinakara Sanctuary, where they participate in dances, songs, and processions that last for several days.
One of the highlights of Qoyllur Rit’i is the nighttime pilgrimage to the snow-capped mountain, where the faithful seek to collect the “q’eswachaka,” a type of sacred herb believed to have healing and protective properties. This pilgrimage is an act of faith and devotion, where pilgrims carry their deepest desires and hopes.
This religious tradition is a unique celebration that shows the deep connection between faith, nature, and culture in the Andean region. Come and join this unforgettable festival as you immerse yourself in the spirituality and fervor of one of the most important celebrations of the religious calendar in Cusco.
Inti Raymi
It is one of the most emblematic and ancient festivals in the Andean region. Celebrated annually in Cusco, Peru, Inti Raymi is an ancestral ceremony that pays homage to the sun god, Inti, and marks the winter solstice in the southern hemisphere.
The exact date of Inti Raymi is June 24th of each year, coinciding with the winter solstice in the southern hemisphere. However, the celebrations extend over several days, with events including processions, religious ceremonies, live music, and folk dances.
As a tourist, you will have the opportunity to witness an impressive and colorful representation of the Inti Raymi ceremony on the esplanade of Sacsayhuamán, an ancient Inca fortress located on the outskirts of Cusco. Here, hundreds of actors dressed in traditional costumes recreate the rituals and ceremonies that were part of this festival centuries ago.
During the celebration, you will see how the Inca priests offer sacrifices to Inti, the sun god, while musicians and dancers perform sacred dances in honor of the elements of nature. The atmosphere is filled with energy and excitement, and every moment is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of the region.
The Inti Raymi festival is a unique experience that will transport you to the golden age of the Inca Empire and allow you to witness one of the most important and moving celebrations in the Andean region. ¡Come and join this unforgettable festival!
Feast of the Nativity of the Virgin
In the heart of Cusco, among the narrow cobblestone streets and majestic squares, resides a devotion rooted in tradition and faith: the Virgin of the Nativity of Almudena. This revered image is a symbol of protection and comfort for the people of Cusco, a divine presence that illuminates the homes and hearts of those who worship her.
The Feast of the Nativity of Almudena is celebrated with devotion and joy in Cusco every September 8th, the day commemorating her feast. During this special occasion, the faithful flock to the cathedral of Cusco to pay homage to the Virgin, bringing with them offerings of flowers, candles, and prayers of gratitude and petition.
As a tourist, you will have the opportunity to witness this moving manifestation of faith and devotion during your visit to Cusco. You will see how the people of Cusco gather around the cathedral, adorned with flowers and lights, to participate in special masses and solemn processions in honor of the Virgin of the Nativity of Almudena.
In addition to the religious celebration, the Feast of the Nativity of Almudena also includes a series of cultural and festive events throughout the city, such as presentations of folk music, traditional dances, and gastronomic fairs. It is a unique opportunity to delve into the cultural and spiritual richness of the region and to experience the hospitality and warmth of its people.
This festival is a spiritual treasure of Cusco, a source of comfort and hope for those who worship her. As a tourist, you will witness the devotion and love that the people of Cusco have for their Virgin, and the deep connection that exists between faith and culture in this ancient land of the Andes. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this unique event during your tourist visit to Cusco!
Day of the Dead
In Cusco, the Day of the Dead is much more than a date on the calendar; it is an occasion to honor and remember those who are no longer with us, a celebration of love, respect, and connection with our departed loved ones.
Every November 2nd, the streets and cemeteries of Cusco are filled with flowers, candles, and memories as families come to pay tribute to their deceased loved ones. It is a day of deep reflection and veneration, where the community comes together to commemorate those who are no longer physically with us, but who continue to live on in our hearts and memories.
During the Day of the Dead in Cusco, you will witness beautiful altars adorned with photographs, food, and personal objects in honor of the deceased. These altars, known as “altars of the dead,” are a way of keeping alive the memory of those who have passed away, as well as of transmitting the importance of tradition and family connection from generation to generation.
In addition to the altars, the Day of the Dead in Cusco also includes visits to local cemeteries, where families gather around the graves of their loved ones to clean them, decorate them, and leave offerings of flowers and candles. It is a moment of reflection and gratitude, where family ties are strengthened and the commitment to keeping alive the memory of those who are no longer physically with us is renewed. ¡Don’t miss the opportunity to live this unique experience during your visit to the imperial city!
Indulge in a world of tradition, color, and emotion with the main celebrations in Cusco that you can’t miss. From the majesty of Inti Raymi to the devotion of Corpus Christi and the joy of Cusco Carnival, these celebrations are more than just events: they are a window into the rich culture and heritage of this ancient land. Each festival offers a unique and enriching experience, where you can connect with the history and spirit of the region in a deep and meaningful way. Whether you are witnessing the impressive religious ceremonies, participating in colorful parades, or enjoying traditional music and dance, these festivities will take you on a journey through time and space, immersing you in the very essence of Cusco.
No matter what your interest, there is a festival for everyone in Cusco. From the most solemn religious celebrations to the liveliest popular parties, these festivities are an opportunity to celebrate the diversity and cultural richness of the region and to create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.
As we have seen in the content, the main festivals of Cusco are much more than simple events; they are an expression of the identity and soul of this ancient land. Don’t miss the opportunity to feel the magic and charm of these celebrations during your visit to Cusco. ¡Get ready to live a unique experience and discover the cultural essence of this fascinating city!
Recommended Tours in Cusco
Our History Peru Grand Travel was founded on December 8, 2010, and started its commercial operations in November 2012. Its main office is currently located in the city of Cusco. Read more Read more
Connect with us by following PGT around the world. Do you travel with us? Tag your travels with #PGTravelers and you may be featured in our blog or IG post.
