peruvian CELEBRATIONS
Festivities in Peru
The many festivals and days to remember in Peru, like most countries around the world Peru celebrates many festivals that are recognized internationally like Christmas, Easter and New Year’s however Peru has many I am sure you will all find amazing and interesting.
January
1st New Year’s Day but there is something that you should know before New Year’s Day, on the eve Peruvians have some really interesting ways for you to gain luck, prosperity and maybe health in the New Year. Here is a small list of superstitions:
- Placing coins inside their shoes, and then wearing them. This is supposed to get you a raise or more money in the New Year.
- Dropping gold (jewelry) into a glass of champagne, then drinking from the glass.
- Making sure that all the men cross the threshold into the home first, from the street. If a woman does this first it will be a bad year.
- Lighting fireworks or shooting firearms into the air.
- Placing beans into their pockets at midnight, and wishing for money whilst doing so.
- Leaving the door open for a while to welcome in the New Year into their house.
- Visiting shamans in Northern Peru who promise to ward off all the evil spirits with some sort of chamomile bath. Folks get completely naked and then the shaman sprays water on them—from out of his mouth.
- Participating in a tradition known as baño de flores (a bath of flowers). Depending on what they are wishing for, they fill a basin with water and flowers of a certain color (roses for love, for example) and will bathe using this combination of water and flowers.
- Dressing up a large doll or effigy (sometimes stuffed with fireworks) with old clothes and burning it on the street. This signifies getting rid of the old, and making a new start.
- Lighting colored candles.
- Wearing new clothes—typically underwear. This typically goes hand-in-hand with wearing specific colors that represent something you desire in the upcoming year: Yellow for luck and happiness, green for money, red for love, and white for health or fertility.
February
Let’s begin in February; well on the first fortnight of this month in the city of Puno the people celebrate the Fiesta de la Candelaria. This festival is about celebrating the patron saint of Puno and this involves as many as 50 thousand dancers and 15 thousand musicians all displaying an amazing array of traditional dances all dressed up in bright and elaborate costumes, some dances portray daily life harvesting crops and some are all about fun.
One famous dance is called “La Diablada”or the Dance of the Devils this dance is said to have originated from some miners were trapped within a mine and folklore says while an army of demons tried to take them to hell the Virgin de la Candelaria saved them. This dance is really amazing to see as you will see many people dressed up in demon costumes with masks, it is said that this represents the fight between good and evil. After all the festivities come to an end this festival then ends with a feast and is a time to pay respects to the dead.
March/April
Easter falls on different dates, celebrated with large processions.
May
During the dates 2nd to 3rd this month is Fiesta de la Cruz (Festival of the Cross) this festival is usually celebrated in the highlands and usually is organized by the communities. This involves each community making and preparing a cross that will be taken on a procession to the other churches. This is to give thanks to a bountiful harvest, what makes this festival unique is it demonstrates both post and pre-Hispanic influences.
Also in the spirit of Peru this would not be a festival without the dances and the music one such dance is especially popular here “Danzantes de tijeras”or the Scissor Dance and is internationally recognized, it would be hard to describe how physically enduring this dance is but it is truly one dance you should always go and see. During colonial times priests believed that these dancers made a pact with the devil that allowed them to do such physically challenging movements. For example, Fiesta de la Cruz meant that the Scissor Dancers danced on top of the churches usually on the bell towers this now does not happen but is now replaced with a showdown kind of event where each Scissor Dancer compete with each other.
June 2nd marks the day of Corpus Christi that is celebrated in all parts of Peru since the colonial times; however, this is especially big in Cusco. This event takes place exactly sixty days after Easter. This festival is a time for praise and worship towards the saints and involves large processions through the cities. Also during this time large feasts are held with food like cuy (guinea pig), potatoes and corn all being favorites.
June 24th marks a large event in Peru especially Cusco this event is called Inti Raymi. This festival is an old Inca tradition of worshipping the sun, the sun was called Inti and was a powerful god and this also is in respect to the wife of Inti, Pachamama the goddess of fertility and harvest.
During the times of the Spanish colonization this event was suppressed and was restarted back in 1944. This event takes place at the old Inca fort of Sacsayhuamán that overlooks the city of Cusco. Here actors and dancers enact traditions dating back 500 years and most of the speeches are usually in Quechua the language of the Inca.
Sadly, I have not experienced this event first hand but I shall sometime in the future.
June 29th is a public holiday in Peru with the celebration of St. Peter’s day.
July
July 15th – 17th is the day of Virgen de Carmen which is usually celebrated in Paucartambo in the South of Peru and this a day to honor Mamacha Carmen, patron saint of the mestizo population. This is also celebrated through elaborate song and dances; these dances also portray defeat of the demons. At the end of the festival like the Fiesta de la Candelaria the people pay their respects to the dead usually taking place in the cemetery.
July 28th – 29th is an important public holiday which marks the independence of Peru (known as Fiestas Patrias) which was declared in 1821. During the days before this event takes place you will see many Peruvian flags being put out during this time businesses, homes and schools. This is obligatory and some districts of Lima will impose a fine for those that do not fly the flag.
The first day of this event the 28th is started by a mass called Te Deum conducted by the Archbishop of Lima this is usually around 9 am. It is also tradition that on this day the Peruvian president must address the nation about the nation’s progress to that point; this was established by the liberator Jose de San Martin.
On the 29th there is a large military parade that passes through Lima Downtown where Peru shows its military hardware and soldiers, these soldiers are from all kinds of divisions and from all over the country. There is a military fly over with planes and helicopters involved. Now this event is not only military this is also to pay respects to police force and firefighters even on occasion the police K9 unit passes and the dogs are always willing to put on a show for their fans. It can get very busy in this part of Lima on this day so if you do not wish to watch it in person the parade will be displayed on many TV channels.
August
13th -19th is the week that is all about Arequipa especially since the anniversary of this large city lands on the 15th. This is celebrated through song, dance and even bullfighting. It is always known each city feels a certain amount of pride however,Arequipeñan pride is well known especially in Lima where there is sense of rivalry going off.
30th is the day of Saint Rose (Santa Rosa) who was a seventeenth-century inhabitant of Lima who went by the name Isabel Flores de Oliva she had a great dedication to the religion that she followed and would help the sick and the needy. The home and church of Santa Rosa can be found on Av. Tacna 100 this is a place of worship especially on this day when people pass letters down the well looking for a miracle especially if they are sick. She is a Patron Saint of Peru and of the National Police Force.
September
Spring festival of Trujillo, Peru takes place during this month and is famous for its parades, dances and music. This event originally started in 1950 and is till attracting thousands of tourists a year.
October
8th is a day of remembrance of the Battle of Angamos, this a sore spot for Peru as this battle which occurred on Oct. 8, 1879 and formed a part of the War of the Pacific, which was fought between the nations of Chile, Peru, and Bolivia from 1879-1883. Peru lost this battle and with it one of Peru’s revered naval admirals was killed Miguel Grau and if that was not bad enough the ship that he sailed the “Huascar” was taken by the Chileans and even used by them during later battles. This ship now is a floating museum in Talcahuano, Chile.
18th-28th is another large and important event in Peru known as “Senor de los Milagros” or Lord of Miracles at this time of year you will see a lot of women wearing purple throughout the month. This festival all came about in the colonial times when an Angolan slave painted the image of Jesus on the wall of hut at the Pachacamilla plantation in 1651 however in 1655 a large and devastating earthquake destroyed much of Lima but the wall was left intact while everything around it was destroyed. This was then seen as divine and a small chapel was built around it but bad luck came again in 1687 when another earthquake and tidal wave destroyed the chapel yet the wall was once again left intact. By 1771 the Sanctuary of Las Nazarenas was built incorporating the wall and was left in the care of Nazarene Sisters whom still to this day look after it. Large processions take place on this day with thousands of devoted followers holding an image of Jesus above their shoulders. Turron a sweet dessert is usually eaten at this time, I shall explain about it more in another article.
31st worldwide is known for the festival Halloween however, Peru due to global influence it is known is used as a day to get sweets or for the adults to have a party but this is not traditional and not many people are fond of the idea. This is when Peru once again shows its colours this day marks DÃa de la Canción Criolla (Day of the Creole Song). Creole music is music that is like a symbol from all the different cultures and influences that make Peruvian music and on this day it is customary to go to peñas these are like small restaurants that serve food and play traditional music so you can make the most of your evening.
November
Throughout the entire month there is also bullfighting contest in Acho although not my cup of tea many people like to watch this bloody spectacular. Although I would never recommend anyone to see these kinds of events I would recommend you check out the bullring because it is the oldest bullring in the Americas, it was built in 1766 by AgustÃn Hipólito de Landaburu. It has a seating capacity of 13,700 and is made of wood and adobe.
1st to the 2nd of November is known as All Saints Day and All Souls Day ( DÃa de los Muertos ) in Peru this is a day of respect and you will see a vast amount of people travelling to the cemeteries. Here they may play some music, eat some food and leave things to share symbolically with the souls of the dead. Also on the day bread in the shape of a baby called t'anta wawas are eaten.
1st-7th is also time for festivity especially in Puno with the Puno Festival taking place. This is to celebrate the founding of the City of Puno which took place in 1668. This is celebrated with dances and songs traditional to this region.
December
8th of December marks another religious observation and this is Feast of the Immaculate Conception.
25th Christmas day….in Peru turkey is not the norm, Peruvians do not really have traditional dish although turkey due to global influence is becoming popular and Christmas dinner is usually eaten on Christmas eve late in the evening. One of custom here that may seem unusual is the drinking of hot chocolate before Christmas day arrives, also they eat their traditional "Paneton" (It's like a sweet bread very delicious)
During the dates 2nd to 3rd this month is Fiesta de la Cruz (Festival of the Cross) this festival is usually celebrated in the highlands and usually is organized by the communities. This involves each community making and preparing a cross that will be taken on a procession to the other churches. This is to give thanks to a bountiful harvest, what makes this festival unique is it demonstrates both post and pre-Hispanic influences.
June
June 2nd marks the day of Corpus Christi that is celebrated in all parts of Peru since the colonial times; however, this is especially big in Cusco. This event takes place exactly sixty days after Easter. This festival is a time for praise and worship towards the saints and involves large processions through the cities. Also during this time large feasts are held with food like cuy (guinea pig), potatoes and corn all being favorites.
June 24th marks a large event in Peru especially Cusco this event is called Inti Raymi. This festival is an old Inca tradition of worshipping the sun, the sun was called Inti and was a powerful god and this also is in respect to the wife of Inti, Pachamama the goddess of fertility and harvest.
During the times of the Spanish colonization this event was suppressed and was restarted back in 1944. This event takes place at the old Inca fort of Sacsayhuamán that overlooks the city of Cusco. Here actors and dancers enact traditions dating back 500 years and most of the speeches are usually in Quechua the language of the Inca.
Sadly, I have not experienced this event first hand but I shall sometime in the future.
June 29th is a public holiday in Peru with the celebration of St. Peter’s day.
July
July 15th – 17th is the day of Virgen de Carmen which is usually celebrated in Paucartambo in the South of Peru and this a day to honor Mamacha Carmen, patron saint of the mestizo population. This is also celebrated through elaborate song and dances; these dances also portray defeat of the demons. At the end of the festival like the Fiesta de la Candelaria the people pay their respects to the dead usually taking place in the cemetery.
July 28th – 29th is an important public holiday which marks the independence of Peru (known as Fiestas Patrias) which was declared in 1821. During the days before this event takes place you will see many Peruvian flags being put out during this time businesses, homes and schools. This is obligatory and some districts of Lima will impose a fine for those that do not fly the flag.
The first day of this event the 28th is started by a mass called Te Deum conducted by the Archbishop of Lima this is usually around 9 am. It is also tradition that on this day the Peruvian president must address the nation about the nation’s progress to that point; this was established by the liberator Jose de San Martin.
On the 29th there is a large military parade that passes through Lima Downtown where Peru shows its military hardware and soldiers, these soldiers are from all kinds of divisions and from all over the country. There is a military fly over with planes and helicopters involved. Now this event is not only military this is also to pay respects to police force and firefighters even on occasion the police K9 unit passes and the dogs are always willing to put on a show for their fans. It can get very busy in this part of Lima on this day so if you do not wish to watch it in person the parade will be displayed on many TV channels.
August
13th -19th is the week that is all about Arequipa especially since the anniversary of this large city lands on the 15th. This is celebrated through song, dance and even bullfighting. It is always known each city feels a certain amount of pride however,Arequipeñan pride is well known especially in Lima where there is sense of rivalry going off.
30th is the day of Saint Rose (Santa Rosa) who was a seventeenth-century inhabitant of Lima who went by the name Isabel Flores de Oliva she had a great dedication to the religion that she followed and would help the sick and the needy. The home and church of Santa Rosa can be found on Av. Tacna 100 this is a place of worship especially on this day when people pass letters down the well looking for a miracle especially if they are sick. She is a Patron Saint of Peru and of the National Police Force.
September
Spring festival of Trujillo, Peru takes place during this month and is famous for its parades, dances and music. This event originally started in 1950 and is till attracting thousands of tourists a year.
October
8th is a day of remembrance of the Battle of Angamos, this a sore spot for Peru as this battle which occurred on Oct. 8, 1879 and formed a part of the War of the Pacific, which was fought between the nations of Chile, Peru, and Bolivia from 1879-1883. Peru lost this battle and with it one of Peru’s revered naval admirals was killed Miguel Grau and if that was not bad enough the ship that he sailed the “Huascar” was taken by the Chileans and even used by them during later battles. This ship now is a floating museum in Talcahuano, Chile.
18th-28th is another large and important event in Peru known as “Senor de los Milagros” or Lord of Miracles at this time of year you will see a lot of women wearing purple throughout the month. This festival all came about in the colonial times when an Angolan slave painted the image of Jesus on the wall of hut at the Pachacamilla plantation in 1651 however in 1655 a large and devastating earthquake destroyed much of Lima but the wall was left intact while everything around it was destroyed. This was then seen as divine and a small chapel was built around it but bad luck came again in 1687 when another earthquake and tidal wave destroyed the chapel yet the wall was once again left intact. By 1771 the Sanctuary of Las Nazarenas was built incorporating the wall and was left in the care of Nazarene Sisters whom still to this day look after it. Large processions take place on this day with thousands of devoted followers holding an image of Jesus above their shoulders. Turron a sweet dessert is usually eaten at this time, I shall explain about it more in another article.
31st worldwide is known for the festival Halloween however, Peru due to global influence it is known is used as a day to get sweets or for the adults to have a party but this is not traditional and not many people are fond of the idea. This is when Peru once again shows its colours this day marks DÃa de la Canción Criolla (Day of the Creole Song). Creole music is music that is like a symbol from all the different cultures and influences that make Peruvian music and on this day it is customary to go to peñas these are like small restaurants that serve food and play traditional music so you can make the most of your evening.
November
Throughout the entire month there is also bullfighting contest in Acho although not my cup of tea many people like to watch this bloody spectacular. Although I would never recommend anyone to see these kinds of events I would recommend you check out the bullring because it is the oldest bullring in the Americas, it was built in 1766 by AgustÃn Hipólito de Landaburu. It has a seating capacity of 13,700 and is made of wood and adobe.
1st to the 2nd of November is known as All Saints Day and All Souls Day ( DÃa de los Muertos ) in Peru this is a day of respect and you will see a vast amount of people travelling to the cemeteries. Here they may play some music, eat some food and leave things to share symbolically with the souls of the dead. Also on the day bread in the shape of a baby called t'anta wawas are eaten.
1st-7th is also time for festivity especially in Puno with the Puno Festival taking place. This is to celebrate the founding of the City of Puno which took place in 1668. This is celebrated with dances and songs traditional to this region.
December
8th of December marks another religious observation and this is Feast of the Immaculate Conception.
25th Christmas day….in Peru turkey is not the norm, Peruvians do not really have traditional dish although turkey due to global influence is becoming popular and Christmas dinner is usually eaten on Christmas eve late in the evening. One of custom here that may seem unusual is the drinking of hot chocolate before Christmas day arrives, also they eat their traditional "Paneton" (It's like a sweet bread very delicious)
By: GringoPerú
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