PERU ANNUAL CELEBRATIONS OF THE YEAR:
JANUARY
1st to 5th January - NEGRITOS FESTIVAL:
This holiday commemorates an event that occurred on Christmas 1648 when a landowner granted freedom to his slaves. To celebrate, they danced around a Nativity. Today, the Brotherhoods of the Negritos, parade through the streets displaying their colorful costumes and dancing.
5th January- ANNIVERSARY OF THE CITY OF IQUITOS (146th is in 2013)
Iquitos - Maynas, Loreto
Dances, crafts, music, and fireworks are part of the fiestas in Iquitos.
14th to 29th January-NATIONAL CONTEST MARINERA (52nd in 2013) from Trujillo, La Libertad
The Perol festival, highlighted by the Night of Queens and the final coronation of the Queen de Marinera.
17th January-FOUNDATION ANNIVERSARY OF LIMA (477th year in 2013)
Serenade in Lima´s in the Plaza de Armas.
23rd to 29th January-HUANCHACO,
La Libertad.
"Huanchaco, living culture", re-invigorates a number of traditions inherited from the legendary Moche and Chimu. Photo exhibitions, theatrical performances, and demonstrations with horses are part of the celebrations which conclude with a lively activities in the streets.
FEBRUARY
1st to 18th February- CANDELARIA VIRGIN FESTIVAL
Puno
Election and coronation of the Queen of Folklore and dance contests highlight this festival to celebrate the Virgin of Candelaria.
9th to 25th February - CARNIVAL IN CAJAMARCA
Election and coronation of the Queen of Carnival. Contest songs, and parades through the Gran Corso Carnestolendo.
MARCH
SURFING COMPETITION
Ascope Province, Chicama district.
Surfers come from all over the world to participate in this competition on the beach of Malabrigo (also known as Chicama) This beach is famous to surfers for having the longest wave in the world.
FEAST OF ST. JOSEPH
Province Trujillo, Moche district, resort of Las Delicias.
This luncheon feast emulates the Spanish traditions.
The streets, homes and residents are dressed in Spanish style, and the food and celebrations emulate those found in Spain. Bulls are released Pamplona style, and there is a bullfighting festival and Flamenco dancing.
HARVEST FESTIVAL
Lima
The traditional district of Santiago de Surco celebrates with various activities, such as the choice of the Harvest Queen and visits to wineries for wine tasting.
APRIL
Ayacucho- Principle CAPITAL OF PERU for celebrating Easter (March or April)
AYACUCHO - HUAMANGA, AYACUCHO
Processions accompanied by bands of musicians, an agro-industrial fair and foods.
22nd April- ANNIVERSARY CONSTITUTIONAL PROVINCE OF CALLAO
This date marks the appointment constitutional of the Province of Callao, in 1857. To celebrate, there are a series of activities such as sightseeing, painting competitions, history exhibits, Te Deum Mass, patriotic civic ceremonies and parades.
MAY
QOYLLORITY
Quispicanchi Province, Ocongate district. Cusco
This is a pilgrimage to the summit of Mount Sinaqara. Along the way the pilgrims are accompanied by processions, dances, bands, fireworks and passes by the symbolic market of Alasitas (miniature craft fair). This festival brings together two traditions - the Andean and Catholic - because it celebrates the appearance of the image of Christ on a solid rock at 4750 m by the cult of the Apu Ausangate.
CORPUS CHRISTI
Province of Cusco, Cusco district. Cusco
The highlight of this festival is a procession of the images of 16 revered patron saints of the city. Included in the processions are marching bands and folk groups. The classic dish of this festival is the "Chiri Uchu" - roasted guinea pig jerky, roasted corn, peppers, boiled chicken, cheese, seaweed, sausage, fish egg cup, with a corn tortilla.
1 to 9 May -FEAST OF THE LORD
Huaraz - Huaraz Ancash
This feast is highlighted by a folkloric dance presentation by the Shacshas, Atahualpas, and Huanquillas. There are also religious ceremonies and exhibitions of floral carpets.
26 to 27 May -INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF SPORTS AND ECO-ADVENTURE
Lunahuana, LIMA CAÑETE
Sports include: rafting and kayaking, climbing and mountain biking.
JUNE
San Juan Bautista
HUÁNUCO
Leoncio Prado - Rupa Rupa (Tingo Maria)
Election of Miss San Juan and a drink tasting contest.
Presentations by local artists, native dances on the beach of Tingo.
Rafting, canoeing, and campfires contests in Tulumayos.
JUNÍN
Tarma – Huasahuasi
CAJAMARCA
Chota - Chota
Election and coronation of the Flower of Chota. Competition for food, drinks andPeruvian Paso Horse and Motocross competitions.
LORETO
Maynas - San Juan Bautista
Evening procession of the Patron Saint San Juan Bautista.
Traditional blessing of the fire and "Leaping Shunto".
Festival of music and dances of the Peruvian Amazon.
Great food!
SAN MARTIN
Moyobamba
Food and crafts.
Cultural and tourist activities.
24th June- INTI RAYMI
Cusco
The Inti Raymi ("Festival of the Sun")was a religious ceremony of theInca Empire in honor of the godInti, one of the most venerated gods inInca religion.
Since 1944, a theatrical representation of the Inti Raymi has been taking place atSacsayhuaman (two (2)km. fromCusco) on June 24th of each year, attracting thousands oftourists and local visitors.
26 June to 1st July- WHITE MOUNTAIN CLIMBING FESTIVAL
Huaylas - Huaraz
Snowboarding, climbing, mountain biking and paragliding.
JULY
AMAZON RIVER TRIATHLON - SOUTH AMERICAN
Independence Native Community, Amazon River - Punchana - Maynas, Loreto
Cross Triathlon Events: Swimming, biking, running race
25 to 30 July-ECOTOURISM FESTIVAL OF NATIVE COMMUNITIES - COFFEE FESTIVAL
Oxapampa district of Villa Rica. Pasco
This is an opportunity to explore the interesting ecotourism tours, and to visit coffee and fruit farms in native communities. In addition, you can enjoy the dances and food of the area.
27 – 28 July-FIESTAS PATRIAS
Lime
This celebration includes events such as the military parade on the Champs de Mars and in the Cathedral, attended by leading national authorities. On previous days, in the district of Miraflores, there are colorful parades with floats and fireworks.
AUGUST
15th August-ANNIVERSARY OF THE CITY OF AREQUIPA
Arequipa Province, Arequipa district.
To celebrate this holiday there is an International Fair in Arequipa (located in the Cerro Juli), craft exhibitions in Fundo El Fierro, and a Dance Festival and Competition (Festidanza International) and climb the volcano Misti. On the same day, 15th of August, there is a FRIENDSHIP PARADE in Arequipa.
PACHAMAMA RAYMI (MOTHER EARTH DAY)
Celebration throughout the department of Cusco.
This ritual marks the start of the traditional New Year in the Andes and is celebrated with ceremonies and festivities throughout the area.
Pachamama, Mother Earth, is honoured and thanked with offerings of coca leaves, chicha and huayruros seeds, among others.
12 to 20 August- TOURISM FESTIVAL
Pacucha - Andahuaylas, Apurimac
Focusing on archaeology.
Races of all types- cycling, motocross, and even horses.
Also there is an industrial fair, culinary treats, dances and bullfighting.
Noted also are the feasts of trout and mackerel.
12 to 13 August - AWARDS OF THE AMAZON
Iquitos - Loreto, Loreto
Award Ceremony of the Amazon as a World Natural Wonder.
Concerts, art exhibitions and a parade of boats on the Amazon River are all part of the celebrations.
18 August -NATIONAL INDEPENDENCE Parade
Lima
A parade with dancing, representing all regions of the country (from the Plaza San Martin to the Plaza de Armas).
20TH August- CALLAO ANNIVERSARY
Callao
An international Salsa competition is held to commemorate the creation of the Callao Littoral Province in 1836. Top singers and groups from the local and international level participate.
28ndAugust to 2nd September - MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL INKAFEST
- Huaraz, Ancash
Film competition and special presentations are part of these events.
Sporting and cultural activities are held.
Adventure and environmental exhibitions add an additional dimension to this festival.
SEPTEMBER
ICA TOURISM WEEK
Province of Ica - Ica
Exhibition of Peruvian Paso horses, cockfights, wine competitions, Pisco tastings, walks from winery to winery and an international sand board competition.
7 to 16 September-MISTURA - L IMA INTERNATIONAL GASTRONOMIC FAIR
Jesus Maria – Lima
The presentation and tasting of some of the best examples of Peruvian cuisines are the driving force behind this event.
Through the exhibition and sale of products from farmers from different parts of Peru, the visitors can take home products.
Keynote speeches from the best chefs in the world are given.
Cultural events: concerts, dances, parades and more.
21 to 30 September - SPRING FESTIVAL
Trujillo, La Libertad
Coronation of the Queen of the Festival.
Fashion Show. Great Spring Festival.
OCTOBER
5 to 13th October- FESTIVAL OF FRIENDSHIP AND DINING
Lambayecana
Pimentel - Chiclayo
18 to 21 October-ORCHID FESTIVAL FROM MOYOBAMBA
San Martin
Exhibition and sale of orchids, exotic flowers, food and crafts.
Amazon rock festival.
Ornamental costumes parade.
21st October- HORSE FESTIVAL Peruvian Paso
Lima
An exhibition of the Peruvian Paso horses.
Food fair and shows of Peruvian Creole music.
26 to 27 October- ANNIVERSARY OF THE CITY OF CARAL
Barranca Province - District Supe
The anniversary of the beginning of archaeological research in the Sacred City of Caral.
31st October- CREOLE SONG DAY
Lima
Instituted in 1940, this celebration highlights the importance of Peruvian folk music with tributes, concerts and parties.
NOVEMBER
1 to 11 November-PUNO ANNIVERSARY"Sacred Lake",
9 to 11 November - PASO HORSE ASSOCIATION CONTEST
Pimentel - Chiclayo, Lambayeque
The annual competition featuring the unique Peruvian Paso horses.
Discussions and seminars on the Peruvian Paso horse are given.
DECEMBER
2 to 9 December - TRIBUTE TO SOUTH AMERICAN FREEDOM
Huamanga province, district Quinoa - Ayacucho
The Battle of Ayacucho, where the Spanish were defeated by the forces of emancipation in 1824, defined the South American Emancipation. In the struggle, the Morochucos, riders from Cangallo, played a leading role. To celebrate, sporting activities involving participants from around the country and the Bolivarian countries (Argentina, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, among others) are held. In addition there is an exhibition and sale of local foods, ceramics and a festival with bands from the area.
24 December- SANTURANTICUY
Cusco province, district of Cusco
Fairs held in the main square of Cusco, where artisans gather to sell a variety of sacred images, wood carvings and ceramics to build nativity scenes.