The Festivities of Cusco are a series of events and celebrations that reflect the rich cultural heritage and vibrant tradition of this historic Peruvian city. During the months of May and June, Cusco is filled with color, music, dances and gastronomic festivals that attract both locals and visitors from all over the world. Here is a detailed guide to the festivities not to be missed in 2024.
The Festivities Municipal Company of Cusco (EMUFEC) performs the awarding and distinction to the winning exhibitors of Santurantikuy 2023, the traditional Christmas fair in Cusco, as well as the winners of the contest of Cusquenian Nativity Scenes, recognizing the work of the artisans. This event is held on December 24 of each year.
The Feast of the Lord of San Sebastian is a religious and cultural celebration that takes place every January 20 in honor of the saint of the district of San Sebastian. This festivity includes religious processions with the image of San Sebastian, traditional dances such as the "Qhapaq Qolla" and "Qhapaq Ch'unchu", typical music, and a variety of local dishes such as "chiri uchu". In addition, there are social and cultural activities that reinforce the community identity, making this festival a rich and colorful manifestation of the Andean cultural heritage.
On this day, parties, parades, costumes, dances and typical food are the center of the celebration. The party is lived with great fervor, with people throwing foam and colorful paint, and decorating their businesses with globes and serpentines. In the Andean world, this festivity was very important because it represented the bonds of paternity among Andean families. This festivity is celebrated two Thursdays before carnivals.
Every year, the creativity of the inhabitants of Cusco makes dolls that represent different female characters, highlighting their characteristics as well as their defects. On this day, various activities take place, among them the creation of allegories by the "Carguyoc" (people responsible for the festival), who also organize a celebration accompanied by good music, dance groups, food and drinks typical of the region. This festivity takes place on the Thursday before the carnivals.
This day is played with water and Mistura. It is traditional in Cusco to see groups of Cusquenians mixed with national and foreign visitors.
This festivity begins the Holy Week celebrations in Cusco. The faithful assist to the different churches of the city with palm leaves and crosses woven from the same plant, which are blessed during the Eucharistic celebrations. Then, they take them to their homes and place them behind the doors as a symbol of protection for the home.
The procession of the "Señor de los Temblores" is one of the most important celebrations of Holy Week in Cusco. This event gathers thousands of faithful who, with great devotion, accompany the image of the crucified Christ through the streets of the city. Tradition has it that the Lord of the Earthquakes protects the city from earthquakes and natural disasters. During the procession, the devotees throw flowers and perform fervent prayers, creating an atmosphere of deep faith and spirituality.
On Good Friday, Cusco is immersed in an atmosphere of solemnity and tradition. From the San Francisco Square, where the Way of the Cross begins, to Saqsaywaman and the medicinal plant fair in the same square, every moment is full of symbolism and meaning. Families gather around the traditional 12 dishes, a culinary celebration that represents communion and abundance in the midst of fasting and reflection.
At the end of the day, the procession of the Holy Sepulcher and the Sorrowful Virgin takes place in the different churches of the city.
The Festivity of the Cross, also known as "Cruz Velacuy", is a traditional celebration in Cusco that takes place every May 3rd. During this festivity, crosses are decorated with flowers and processions and religious ceremonies are held in honor of the Cross of Christ. It is an occasion in which the Cusco community gathers to express their faith and devotion, in addition to celebrating with dances, music and typical food of the region.
The last Wednesday of May marks the beginning of the celebrations with the traditional entrance of Corpus Christi, a religious festivity deeply rooted in the Cusco culture. This day also marks the celebration of the Chiriuchu Gastronomic Festival, where you will be able to taste this typical meal that combines ingredients such as corn, guinea pig meat, chicken, seaweed and rocoto, reflecting the culinary diversity of the region.
On Thursday is celebrated the Cusquenian Corpus Christi, one of the most important religious festivities in Cusco. It is a holiday in the city, where the streets are filled with processions and religious activities. At the same time, the Chiriuchu Gastronomic Festival continues, offering visitors the opportunity to enjoy this local delicacy once again.
June 1st begins with the inauguration of the Jubilee Month of Cusco. The celebration includes the elevation of the flags and a civic parade in honor of the Pachamama, highlighting the pride of Cusco and respect for nature.
Sport also has its place in these festivities with the Great Qosqo 10K Hatun Phaway Race, an event that brings together local and visiting athletes in a competition full of spirit and energy.
On this day a mass and pilgrimage is held in honor of Dr. Humberto Vidal Unda and the founders of Cusco Day, remembering their contributions to the city.
The Octave of Corpus Christi marks a week after the main feast, with more processions and religious celebrations continuing to echo throughout the city.
On Sunday, the senior center of EsSalud Cusco participate in a parade that highlights the importance and respect for the elderly in the community.
During the week, typical dance parades take place, where students from different educational levels show their skills in traditional dances.
On Saturday, journalists and journalistic institutions will join in a parade celebrating their contribution to Cusco society.
The week of Cusco begins with a colorful parade of Andean allegories organized by the National University of Art "Diego Quispe Tito".
On Monday, the Universidad Andina del Cusco takes to the streets in a parade full of pride and tradition.
On Tuesday it is the turn of the National University of San Antonio Abad del Cusco, which participates in the festivities with its own parade.
On Wednesday, the Pasacalle of the I.E. Inca Garcilaso de la Vega fills the streets with music and dance.
Thursday is the Night of Light and Sound, a show that combines music and visual effects to create a magical experience.
On Friday, the Cusco City Council celebrates a solemn session, followed by the parade " Greeting from Peru to Cusco" organized by the Continental University.
Saturday is the day when the 13 provinces of Cusco parade, showing the cultural diversity and traditions of each region.
On Sunday, a civic parade is celebrated, where various institutions and organizations participate in a demonstration of pride and unity.
The climax of the festivities comes with the celebration of Inti Raymi, the great feast of the Sun. This event is celebrated in three emblematic scenarios: the Qoricancha, the Main Square and Sacsayhuaman. This representation revives one of the most important ceremonies of the Empire.
The feast of the Virgen del Carmen in Paucartambo - Cusco is one of the most significant and vibrant religious celebrations in the region, during four days full of faith, dance and devotion. During this festivity, the congregation expresses their love, respect and devotion to the Virgin through various activities and traditional dances.
On July 27, the military parade will be celebrated in Cusco, a significant event that takes place on Culture Avenue. During this day, various institutions and police forces will participate in a civic parade in honor of our flag. This event highlights the pride and unity of the city on the eve of the patriotic celebrations.
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