Like many of its neighbouring countries in Latin America, Peru has a large number of religious festivals, national holidays, and events that are much more than just dates on a calendar. Latin American festivals are, solely in my opinion, some of the most vibrant and interesting events that you’ll find around the globe, so if you’re lucky enough to experience any of these incredible moments in Peru, consider yourself lucky!
It’s also important to be aware about holidays and festivals in Peru because they can seriously disrupt your travel plans. Some events simply make finding accommodation impossible (and when you do find it, its three times the price and you have to book months in advance), whereas others can literally cause roads to get blocked and buses to be cancelled. So make sure you do you research before you plan to travel in Peru and the rest of South America!
Public Holidays in Peru You Need to Know About
Peru has quite a few national holidays of Peru that affect everything from museum opening hours to bus schedules. The most important thing to know is that when these public holidays in Peru fall on a weekday, many businesses shut down completely, and if they fall adjacent to a weekend they often create a “puente” (long weekend) by adding an additional day without work.
Here are the main public holidays in Peru:
New Year’s Day (January 1st): kicks off the year with family gatherings and fireworks. Don’t expect much to be open on this day, and if you’re planning to travel, book transport well in advance as many Peruvians use this time to visit family.
Easter (March/April): Easter is really big in Peru. The entire Holy Week (Semana Santa) is treated with great reverence, and you’ll find some of the most spectacular processions happening in cities like Ayacucho and Cusco. Many tourist sites close on Good Friday, so plan accordingly.
Labour Day (May 1st): You’ll see many workers taking to the streets in peaceful demonstrations, which are important but can be disruptive to traffic.
Flag Day (June 7th): You’ll see gentle parades celebrating the soldiers who defended Peru in the War of the Pacific.
Día de la Fuerza Aérea (July 23rd): This is Peruvian Air Force Day, which is a day off for Peruvians.
Independence Day (July 28th-29th): This is Peru’s biggest national celebration. The entire country essentially shuts down for these two days, with parades, fireworks, and patriotic displays everywhere you look.
Batalla de Junin (August 6th): Commemorates the Battle of Junín that happened in the Peruvian War of Independence.
Día de Santa Rosa de Lima (August 30th): You’ll see this celebration play out in to main square in Cusco, with a huge parade and lots of flowers.
Combate de Angamos (October 8th): This is another public holiday commemorating an important battle during Peru’s war of independence.
Día de Todos los Santos (November 1st): This is the well known “Day of the Dead” festival that is celebrated across Latin America, most prominently in Mexico.
Inmaculada Concepción (December 8th): A public holiday celebrating the immaculate conception.
Batalla de Ayacucho (December 8/9th): This is another public holiday commemorating an important battle during Peru’s war of independence.
Christmas (December 24/25th): Peruvian families typically gather on Christmas Eve for the main celebration, meaning December 24th feels more festive than the 25th itself.
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The Most Spectacular Peruvian Festivals
Now, this is where Peru truly shines. Peruvian festivals blend indigenous traditions with Catholic influences, creating celebrations that are both deeply spiritual and very entertaining.
Inti Raymi (June 24th) in Cusco is probably the most famous. This is the ancient Incan festival that celebrates the winter solstice, and has been recreated as a massive theatrical performance at Sacsayhuamán, close to Cusco. Tickets can cost anywhere from S/70 (16€) for basic seating to S/350 (80€) for premium spots, but you can also soak up the general festival atmosphere just by being in Cusco during this time.
Corpus Christi (usually May or June). Saints are paraded through the streets on elaborate platforms, and the entire city of Cusco turns into a street party.
The Festival de la Virgen de la Candelaria in Puno (February) is another absolute must-see. The costumes are incredible, and ancers train for months to participate. The energy is infectious, and it happens right on the shores of Lake Titicaca, so the setting is pretty spectacular too.
Lima Holidays and Urban Celebrations
Peru’s capital city, Lima, has its own way of celebrating Peruvian traditions that reflect both its cultural heritage and modern, cosmopolitan character.
El Señor de los Milagros (October) is Lima’s most important religious celebration. The whole city comes alive with purple decorations, and the processions are massive.
The Festival Internacional de Lima brings together artists from across Latin America
There are many food festivals in Lima, like Mistura (usually September), which showcase Peru’s incredible culinary scene. At Mistura, you can try dishes from S/5 (1.20€) for street food up to S/50 (11.50€) for restaurant-quality plates from famous chefs.
During Fiestas Patrias (Independence Day celebrations), Lima becomes particularly festive. The entire city is decorated with red and white flags, and there are free concerts and events throughout the capital. It’s a brilliant time to be in Lima if you don’t mind the crowds.
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Cusco Peru Holidays
The celebrations in Peru in Cusco deserve their own section because they’re truly something special. This city has managed to preserve many pre-Columbian traditions whilst embracing Catholic influences, creating a unique blend of peruvian holidays that you won’t find anywhere else.
The Santurantikuy Christmas market in Cusco’s main square is an absolute highlight of Christmas celebrations in Latin America. Local artisans sell handmade nativity figures, and the craftsmanship is incredible.
During major celebrations in Cusco you’ll find street vendors everywhere, impromptu dance performances, and locals dressed in traditional clothing heading to and from ceremonies. It feels like the whole city becomes part of the celebration.
Planning Your Trip Around Peruvian Celebrations
Here are a few key tips for planning your trip to Peru around Peruvian celebrations. This is, if you want to go to them! If you’re not into big crowds, you’re probably better off planning your trip to Peru to avoid the celebrations rather than the other way around.
- Book accommodation well in advance for major festivals, especially the larger and more popular festivals. Prices can triple, and availability becomes scarce.
- Check transport schedules during national holidays of Peru. Buses often don’t run on major public holidays, and flights can be more expensive.
- Bring cash during festivals. Many vendors only accept cash, and ATMs can run out of money during busy periods.
- Pack layers for highland celebrations. Even summer festivals in Cusco can be cold, especially if celebrations continue into the evening.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit Peru for festivals?
June and July offer the most festivals, including Inti Raymi and Independence Day celebrations. However, this is also peak tourist season, so expect higher prices and crowds. If you prefer fewer tourists, February’s festivals in Puno or October’s celebrations in Lima can be equally spectacular.
Do businesses close during Peruvian national holidays?
Yes, most businesses, banks, and tourist attractions close during major public holidays in Peru. Restaurants and some tourist services may remain open but with limited hours. Always check opening times in advance and stock up on essentials before major holidays.
How much should I budget for festival experiences in Peru?
Festival experiences can range from free street celebrations to ticketed events costing S/350 (80€) for premium Inti Raymi seats. Bear in mind that accommodation prices can double or triple during major celebrations.
Are Peru’s religious festivals appropriate for non-religious visitors?
Yes, Peruvian festivals welcome visitors regardless of religious background. The celebrations are as much about cultural heritage and community as they are about faith, but it is important to be respectful during religious ceremonies and follow local customs, especially when visiting churches or sacred sites.
Can I participate in traditional dances during festivals?
Many festivals encourage visitor participation, especially during street celebrations and community events. However, some sacred ceremonies are observation-only. When in doubt, ask locals or follow the lead of other visitors.
What should I wear to Peruvian festivals?
Comfortable walking shoes are essential for many festivals as you’ll be standing and walking on cobblestones for hours. Dress in layers for highland festivals as temperatures can vary dramatically, and avoid wearing revealing clothing during religious celebrations.
Conclusion
Festivals in Peru aren’t just tourist attractions – they’re living, breathing expressions of Peruvian culture that offer incredible insights into the country’s soul. Whether you’re watching the spectacular recreation of Inti Raymi in Cusco, joining the purple-clad processions in Lima, or stumbling upon a local saint’s day celebration in a mountain village, Peru’s festivals will create some of your most treasured travel memories.
