Traditional Celebrations in Cusco 2025

Exploring the Traditional Celebrations in Cusco in 2025 is a journey into a world where the past and present intertwine spectacularly. Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is not only famous for its stunning architecture and breathtaking landscapes but also for being a vibrant hub of festivities that reflect the rich cultural tapestry of the region. Throughout 2025, each month brings events filled with color, music, and traditions that have been part of Cusqueño life since time immemorial. From the majesty of Inti Raymi to the devotion of Corpus Christi, and the overflowing joy of Peru’s carnivals, every celebration offers a unique opportunity to experience the living history and communal spirit of Cusco.

January

January 6: Epiphany Celebration

Epiphany Celebration on January 6

The Epiphany Celebration in Cusco marks the culmination of Christmas festivities. On this day, figures of Baby Jesus are “brought down” from their altars and carried in processions through the streets, symbolizing His presentation at the temple. Families gather to take down nativity scenes at home and share a festive day with traditional meals.

January 20: San Sebastián

The feast of San Sebastián is celebrated with great devotion in the Cusqueño district bearing the same name. Devotees carry the image of the saint in a procession accompanied by music and folkloric dances. The celebration also includes gastronomic fairs and popular games, fostering community cohesion and joy.

February

February 9: Cusco Carnival

Carnival in Cusco is a time of extreme joy and colorful traditions. Participants engage in traditional games like Yunza, where a tree adorned with gifts is chopped down during a dance. Streets come alive with groups of dancers in traditional costumes, and parades showcase the region’s rich cultural diversity. Cusco Carnival is a unique celebration reflecting the essence of this marvelous Andean city.

April

April 13 to 19: Holy Week

Holy Week is one of the most important religious celebrations in Cusco, known for its solemn processions and dramatic reenactments of Christ’s Passion. Good Friday stands out with the procession of the Lord of the Earthquakes, Cusco’s patron, whose image is carried through the streets in an emotional journey followed by thousands of faithful.

May

May 3: Feast of the Cross or Cruz Velacuy

The Feast of the Cross is a veneration of the crosses that protect homes and fields. The crosses are decorated with flowers and carried in procession to the rhythm of music and chants, reflecting the religious syncretism of Catholic and indigenous Andean traditions.

May 19: Lord of Torrechayoc

This festivity, celebrated in Urubamba, is one of the most important religious events in the Sacred Valley. It includes processions, traditional dances, and a popular fair that attracts visitors from various parts of Peru.

May 26 to 29: Lord of Qoyllorit’i

Lord of Qoyllorit'i is an impressive event

The Lord of Qoyllorit’i is an impressive event combining Catholicism with indigenous rituals. Thousands of pilgrims ascend the mountain heights to pay homage to the Andean Christ through ancestral rituals and offerings.

May 29: Corpus Christi Cusqueño

Corpus Christi is a celebration where sacred images from different churches are carried in procession to Cusco Cathedral. It is a deep expression of faith that includes masses, music, dances, and communal meals.

June

June 24: Inti Raymi

Inti Raymi, or the Festival of the Sun, is a reenactment of an ancient Inca ceremony honoring the Sun god, Inti. It is celebrated with a dramatic performance at the Sacsayhuamán fortress, attracting thousands of spectators every year.

July

July 15: Virgen del Carmen

The Virgen del Carmen is celebrated especially in Paucartambo, with one of the region’s most picturesque festivities. The celebration is known for its traditional dances and elaborate masks worn by the dancers.

August

August 1: Pachamama Day

Pachamama Day is a central date in the Andean calendar, dedicated to paying homage and gratitude to Mother Earth through ceremonies and offerings that reflect a relationship of respect and reciprocity with the natural environment.

September

September 14: Lord of Huanca

The Lord of Huanca is celebrated with a pilgrimage to the sanctuary of the Lord of Huanca, where the faithful seek solace and miracles. The festivity includes masses, processions, and mass confessions.

September 30: San Jerónimo

The San Jerónimo festivity is a day of religious and cultural celebration in the San Jerónimo district of Cusco, featuring processions, music, and dances.

November

November 1: All Saints’ Day

All Saints’ Day is a day to remember the departed. Families visit cemeteries, decorate graves, and share meals in memory of their loved ones.

December

December 24: Santurantikuy

Santurantikuy is a traditional Christmas market where artisans sell nativity scene figures and other Christmas decorations, filling Cusco’s Plaza de Armas with a festive and communal spirit.

December 31: New Year’s Eve

New Year’s Eve is celebrated with fireworks and festivities in the Plaza de Armas, where locals and tourists gather to welcome the new year, accompanied by Andean rituals and good luck traditions.