Peru — Events
Entrega de Varas
January 1, 2012
This official and ancient ceremony presents an unequaled opportunity to see the highland indigenous elders in full traditional costume. The ‘Varayoc’ are the holders of the highest office in the respective villages and many candidates standing for election make an appearance here. Each elected official receives his ‘vara’, or sceptre of office, a thick rod elaborately carved from native wood and inlaid with gold and silver. Varayocs new and old come to Cusco for the celebrations, many of them of advanced years.
The Anniversary of the Founding of Lima
January 18, 2012
Lima, the ‘City of Kings’, was founded in 1535, and every January this is commemorated by a massive event that goes on through the day and night, with national stars on the stage and fabulous fireworks.
Fiesta de al Candelaria
February 1, 2012 - February 29, 2012
To celebrate the patron saint of Puno, this city on the shore of Lake Titicaca goes crazy for a couple of weeks in February. The dancing and partying escalates during the fortnight, and the indigenous costumes are colorful, while ethnic music is played.
Pisco Sour Day
February 4, 2012
On a day when Peruvians can formally celebrate their national beverage, the pisco sour, Lima goes for it with tastings and pisco parties. A pisco sour comprises pisco (a strong brandy), lemon juice, egg whites and ice, and is a lot more delicious than it sounds.
Holy Week
April 1, 2012 - April 8, 2012
Easter week is celebrated with religious processions in Lima and practically every other town and city of Peru. In the Andean towns, Easter is celebrated with particular fervor and nowhere more so than in Ayacucho. This highland city portrays the passion, death and resurrection of Christ with an incredible intensity, beginning with the arrival of Jesus on a donkey. Images and effigies of the Virgin Mary and Saint John are paraded in processions through streets carpeted with flowers, to meet with the image of Christ on the main square.
Lord of the Earthquakes
April 25, 2012
Pre-Inca traditions and beliefs mingle with Catholic worship in this popular celebration based on a miracle. In 1650, an oil painting of Christ on the cross is believed to have overcome the terrible destructive power of an earthquake. Since that date, the indigenous local people have paid homage to the image of ‘Taitacha Temblores’, a mixed Quechua and Spanish title meaning Lord of the Earthquakes. Coming at the end of Semana Santa on Easter Monday, this is a colorful event which takes place partly in Cusco Cathedral, built on the site of the Inca creator-god, Viracocha.
Virgin of Chapi
April 30, 2012 - May 30, 2012
From the beautiful southern city of Arequipa, thousands of pilgrims cross the desert to pay their respects at the shrine of the ‘Virgen de Chapi’. The image, representing purification, was moved by a priest in 1790 but allegedly it grew so heavy that it became impossible to go any further. This miracle lures thousands to the spot where the virgin stopped, a 15-hour walk to a deserted point at high altitude. Pilgrims march with staves and, once there, enjoy traditional food and fireworks. The following day the virgin is carried on a bier, in a procession over carpets of flowers.
Corpus Christi
June 6, 2012
Sixty days after Easter Sunday, processions bearing images and figures of saints make their way from local churches to main cathedrals, filing around main squares and doing homage within the cathedrals. Celebrations are best in Cusco, though they occur throughout the country.
San Juan (John the Baptist's Day)
June 23, 2012 - June 29, 2012
John the Baptist - San Juan - is an important figure in Peru, especially in the eastern jungle and the city of Iquitos. Here on the headwaters of the Amazon, water is the primary element and for this reason John the Baptist’s Day is the most important festival of the year. In Iquitos, fiestas are held with local bands and feasts feature such local delicacies astacacho (baked banana) andjuanes (rice pastries, named after San Juan). A carnival atmosphere fills the streets and waterways.
Inti Raymi
June 23, 2012
The Festival of the Sun, this annual celebration commemorates the ancient Incan heritage of Peru. The festival dates back to the Incan time, and celebrations take place in Cusco, along with other areas of Incan heritage. A recreation of the ancient ritual takes place at Sacsayhuamán.
