Cusco is a city that undoubtedly has its own life, thanks to its cultural richness that has captivated the world’s eyes. A key factor of this Peruvian population and its ancient Inca empire is the traditional festivals of Cusco.
Locally, throughout the year, there are various cultural expressions that reveal a more indigenous side of the region, which is worth discovering. In this blog, we give you a unique journey through the main traditional festivals of Cusco, the well-known Sacred City.
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The Importance of Cusco's Traditional Festivals
Cusco’s traditional festivals serve a historical and cultural purpose for the region. In most cases, these celebrations take place as a tribute to patron saints, which alludes to the cultural mix between the ancient indigenous civilization and the arrival of the Catholic Church.
However, it’s important to note that Cusco’s traditional celebrations still retain much of the essence of its first inhabitants, and therefore also honor the Sun God, nature, and all forms of human connection to Mother Earth.
On the other hand, there are traditional festivals in Cusco that also aim to represent the struggle of its inhabitants to achieve independence. So, these are not mere celebrations, but rather, these are history, culture, nostalgia, struggle, and bravery. Let’s take a look at the most important celebrations of the Imperial City.
Fiestas Patrias (National Holidays)
The Fiestas Patrias of Cusco are one of the key celebrations for the city’s residents. Every July 28th and 29th, the city of Cusco fills with joy to commemorate the brave ones who achieved Peru’s independence. The festivities take place with parades in the Plaza de Armas of Cusco and other main squares of the country.
Some of the most important activities during this celebration include military ceremonies, school events, and traditional dances of the region, performed to the rhythm of folklore music.
Date: July 28th and 29th
Place: Plaza de Armas
Holy Week (Semana Santa)
Another traditional celebration of Cusco, since the arrival of Catholic tradition, is Holy Week. It is a solemn period that occurs between March and April and is a time for reflection on the life, passion, death, and resurrection of Christ.
During this week, religious celebrations are held by the faithful, starting on Holy Monday with the procession of the Lord of the Earthquakes (Señor de los Temblores). The tradition of the "Black Christ of Cusco" is one of the most important local traditions, attracting people from all over.
On this day, people wear purple tunics as a manifestation of their devotion to Christ, and they also carry candles to the church as a sign of penitence.
Date: Between March and April
Place: Cathedral of Cusco
Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun)
As mentioned earlier, Cusco also celebrates the ancient tradition of the indigenous culture. Therefore, every June 24th, when the winter solstice begins, the Inti Raymi, or Sun God worship, is celebrated.
The main purpose of this traditional festival in Cusco is to develop activities characterized by traditional dances in the streets, typical clothing that evokes ancient Inca traditions, and celebrations in sacred places such as Qorikancha.
Date: June 24th
Place: Qorikancha
Day of All Saints and Day of the Dead
Returning to Catholic tradition, on November 1st and 2nd, Cusco commemorates the Day of All Saints and the Day of the Dead. The most important Cusco tradition on these days is to bring flowers, offerings, and other items to honor deceased relatives in the cemetery.
Another way Cusqueños honor the dead is by preparing typical foods such as "pan wawa," a bread shaped like a baby, common in the city, and "pan caballo," a bread shaped like a horse.
Date: November 1st and 2nd
Place: Cemeteries
C'hiaraje
Another traditional celebration of Cusco is Ch’iaraje, which takes place every January 20th. It is a festivity aimed at encouraging the fertility of the land through a mock battle between members of the Quehue and Checa communities.
For the community that wins the battle, a larger part of the land is prepared. The event is held with many men from the participating communities dressed in floral-adorned vests, carrying slings and whips. This celebration is typical of the Canas Province in Yanaoca.
Date: January 20th
Place: Canas Province in Yanaoca
Machu Picchu Anniversary
Machu Picchu is, undoubtedly, one of the favorite destinations for tourists worldwide, and it holds an important cultural history for the region. On July 7th each year, since 2007 when it was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, the anniversary of Machu Picchu is celebrated.
During the day, the celebration includes typical dances in the main streets of Aguas Calientes, with art contests and local music. In the evening, there is a celebration at the Aguas Calientes stadium, where local artists perform.
Date: July 7th
Place: Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes
Pachamama Day
The celebration of Mother Earth is one of the most important festivals of Cusco, held every August 1st. Mother Earth refers to the sacred entity that the ancient Incas believed had its own life and is still present among the local people.
On this day, the people of Cusco perform rituals to offer gifts to the land, thanking Pachamama for her goodness. Common offerings include coca leaves, corn, and other regional products.
Date: August 1st
Place: Cusco
New Year
New Year in Cusco is quite special and is not celebrated in the same way as in other parts of the country. It is celebrated on December 31st, and families gather at home to celebrate with a local feast, the main dish being roast pork.
One of the common traditions on this day is that people walk around the Plaza de Armas counterclockwise. Yellow confetti is often seen in the streets, symbolizing the joy of this special moment.
Date: December 31st
Place: Plaza de Armas
Carnival (Carnavales)
Cusco is a cheerful city, and the carnival is a clear representation of its traditional festivals. Beyond the common carnival celebrations in most parts of Peru, Cusco has a particularity: the yunza ritual.
This act consists of planting a mock tree filled with gifts, around which people dance before trying to cut it down with a machete. Those who manage to make the tree fall must organize the event the following year. This celebration takes place in February, with main gatherings at the Plaza de Armas and surrounding areas.
Date: February
Place: Plaza de Armas
Toqto Fights (Peleas de Toqto)
Starting on February 2nd, three continuous days of mock fights are held in the town of Toqto to commemorate the period when people fought for more land. On the first day, participants set up the event, and on the second day, the battles begin.
The fights start one-on-one and later become larger groups. On the third and final day, after eating and drinking, everyone enters the battle, and when the event ends, the injured are taken for medical attention. The tradition concludes with the "qhaswa" party for both winners and losers.
Date: February 2nd
Place: Toqto
Santuranticuy
Santuranticuy is a local craft fair held every December 24th, where handmade Christmas decorations and religious figures are sold. The fair takes place in Plaza de Armas, and it is a great opportunity to purchase local crafts to take home as souvenirs.
Date: December 24th
Place: Plaza de Armas
Cruz Velacuy (Cross Celebration)
Cruz Velacuy is a traditional festival of the crosses with a pagan-religious character, focused on venerating crosses placed at the highest points of the hills in the city. This takes place on May 2nd and 3rd. On the following day, all crosses are taken to the churches of nearby villages.
Date: May 2nd and 3rd
Place: Cusco
Prepare Yourself to Discover the Best of Cusco’s Traditional Festivals!
Without a doubt, the traditional festivals and celebrations of Cusco lead us on a path of endless opportunities to immerse ourselves in the local culture and make the most of our visit.
If you are planning to visit the Imperial City, don’t hesitate to rely on Gurú Explorers. We want to be part of your experience and can guide you on a tour any time of year so that you can make your journey through Cusco truly unique.
Keep learning about peruvian culture in: Peruvian Handicrafts: Types, Regions, and Where to Buy Them