In Peru, no other city combines ancient tradition with an active living culture quite as deploy as Cusco. The historic capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco is a city that throbs to the heartbeat of festivity. Throughout the year, visitors to Cusco will experience the parades, dancing, and ritual activity that has perpetuated these traditions for centuries. Festivals in Cusco are not just a form of entertainment for tourists; these celebrations are deeply cherished moments of faith, identity, and community and are a living embodiment of the Andes.
From religious parades to street festivities, these festivals in Cusco are a great opportunity for travelers to immerse themselves in the local experience. Each month brings new opportunities to celebrate: honoring the Sun, remembering family, and dancing for the Virgin. If you are planning your trip, this guide introduces you to ten incredible festivals in Cusco that showcase the richness of Peruvian culture.
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1. Señor de los Temblores – The Lord of the Earthquakes
The Most Revered Image in Cusco
Every Holy Monday, usually in March or April, the streets of Cusco fill with devotion as thousands gather for the procession of Señor de los Temblores, the patron saint of the city. This is one of the oldest religious festivals in Cusco, tracing its origins back to 1650 when locals believed the image of Christ saved them from an earthquake. Covered in a dark robe and adorned with red ñucchu flowers, the statue represents both Catholic faith and Andean gratitude.
How to Experience It as a Visitor
Travelers who witness this solemn event can truly feel the emotional connection Cusqueños have with their faith. Arrive early to find a good viewing spot near the Plaza de Armas and respect the quiet, sacred atmosphere. This is one of the most meaningful festivals in Cusco to understand the fusion between Andean spirituality and Christianity.
2. Cruz Velacuy – Festival of the Crosses
Blending Andean and Christian Beliefs
Celebrated in early May, Cruz Velacuy is among the most symbolic festivals in Cusco. Communities decorate wooden crosses with flowers, silver ornaments, and bright fabrics. Each cross is carried through the streets to the sound of music, representing a union between the Catholic Holy Cross and ancient mountain worship. For locals, this is a way to honor both their faith and the protective spirits known as Apus.
Where to Join the Celebration
Villages surrounding Cusco, like Oropesa or Chinchero, host some of the most authentic celebrations. Travelers are often invited to dance, share food, and enjoy chicha, a traditional corn drink. This event shows that the most intimate festivals in Cusco often take place far from the tourist crowds, where the community spirit truly shines.
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3. Qoyllur Rit’i – The Snow Star Festival
A Pilgrimage Under the Stars
Qoyllur Rit’i, or the Snow Star Festival, takes place high in the Sinakara Valley, about 4,600 meters above sea level. It’s one of the most spiritual festivals in Cusco, combining Inca traditions with Catholic devotion. Thousands of pilgrims walk through the mountains at night, guided by the light of the moon and the sound of drums, to worship an image of Christ painted on a rock.
A Spiritual Experience in the Andes
The most striking figures here are the Ukukus, half-man, half-bear dancers who protect the mountain and perform rituals of strength and purification. This festival marks the beginning of the Andean New Year and offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience for travelers who wish to explore the spiritual depth of the Andes. Among all festivals in Cusco, this one best captures the union of heaven, earth, and faith.
4. Corpus Christi Cusco – Faith and Tradition in the Main Square
Fifteen Saints in One Grand Procession
Corpus Christi is one of the most iconic festivals in Cusco, celebrated around 60 days after Easter. The historic Plaza de Armas becomes the stage for a grand procession in which fifteen saints and virgins are carried from their churches to the Cathedral. Accompanied by music, fireworks, and thousands of believers, the event reflects the city’s deep religious devotion and Andean identity.
A Feast for All the Senses
The night before the main day, locals enjoy a traditional dish called chiriuchu, made with roasted guinea pig, sausage, seaweed, and cheese. Visitors can walk through the crowded streets filled with the sound of brass bands and the smell of incense. If you want to witness one of the most impressive festivals in Cusco, Corpus Christi is an unmissable experience of faith, flavor, and community.
5. Inti Raymi Festival – The Inca Celebration of the Sun
Reliving the Glory of the Inca Empire
Among all festivals in Cusco, Inti Raymi stands as the most famous and spectacular. Celebrated on June 24, this Inca Festival of the Sun marks the winter solstice and honors the Sun God, Inti. The celebration takes place at three key sites: Qorikancha, the Plaza de Armas, and the fortress of Sacsayhuamán. Hundreds of dancers and actors recreate the ancient ceremony, bringing the Inca Empire’s grandeur back to life.
What to Expect During Inti Raymi
For travelers, this is a perfect opportunity to experience authentic Inca heritage. The festival starts early with the Inca greeting the sun, followed by music, dances, and symbolic rituals. Seats at Sacsayhuamán sell out quickly, so book in advance. Inti Raymi is more than just a show—it’s the living heart of all festivals in Cusco, and one of the most extraordinary cultural experiences in South America.
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6. Virgen del Carmen Festival in Paucartambo
A Town Transformed by Dance and Devotion
From July 15 to 18, the quiet town of Paucartambo bursts into color for the Virgen del Carmen festival. Declared by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage, it’s one of the most energetic festivals in Cusco. Masked dancers perform humorous and symbolic routines that portray historical and spiritual figures such as the Spanish conquerors, angels, and demons.
A Celebration of Identity
Each dance tells a story about colonial life, faith, and cultural resistance. Visitors can watch the parades, enjoy fireworks, and taste local food while being welcomed by friendly locals. For those seeking to explore the diversity of traditional festivals in Peru, this vibrant event is a highlight of any journey through Cusco.
7. Peruvian Independence Day Festivities
National Pride in the Heart of the Andes
On July 28 and 29, Cusco celebrates Peru’s Independence with great enthusiasm. Streets fill with red and white flags, military parades, and concerts. Although it’s a national event, the city adds its own Andean flavor, making it one of the most joyful festivals in Cusco.
Food, Music, and Local Spirit
Cusco’s main square becomes a space for families and travelers to enjoy local food, folk dances, and cultural fairs. You can taste dishes like adobo and chicharrón while listening to live Andean music. These celebrations are a perfect reminder that festivals in Cusco are not just religious—they also honor national pride and community life.
8. Señor de Huanca Pilgrimage – Faith and Healing
A Sacred Journey Through the Mountains
Every September 14, thousands of pilgrims make their way to the Sanctuary of Señor de Huanca, located about 30 kilometers south of Cusco. According to legend, Christ appeared to an Indigenous man and saved him from injustice, making the site a symbol of forgiveness and healing.
Tips for Joining the Pilgrimage
The walk takes several hours, passing through valleys and villages filled with temporary stalls selling food and candles. Travelers can join parts of the route, respecting local traditions and silence. It’s one of the most heartfelt festivals in Cusco, reflecting faith, resilience, and hope.
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9. All Saints’ Day and Day of the Dead
Remembering Life and Death with Joy
On November 1 and 2, Cusqueños celebrate life and death with warmth and laughter. Families visit cemeteries, bringing flowers, food, and bread dolls called tanta wawas, shaped like babies or horses. Unlike in other parts of the world, the Day of the Dead in Cusco is a lively gathering rather than a somber one.
Cultural Meaning Behind the Celebration
This event represents the harmony between Catholic beliefs and ancient Andean views of the afterlife. Travelers can visit local bakeries and markets to try the special breads and witness how families honor their ancestors. It’s one of the most touching festivals in Cusco, showing how memory, love, and food come together.
10. Santuranticuy – The Christmas Market of Cusco
Artisans and Christmas Traditions
Every December 24, the Plaza de Armas transforms into a massive open-air market for the Santuranticuy fair, which means “sale of saints” in Quechua. Artisans from across the region come to sell hand-carved nativity figures, wooden toys, and colorful Andean crafts.
A Magical Christmas Eve in the Andes
The festive spirit fills the air with music, lights, and traditional pastries. It’s the perfect occasion to experience how locals prepare for Christmas and support artisan families. Among all the December festivals in Cusco, Santuranticuy offers the most authentic and heartwarming ending to the year.
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Best Time to Visit Cusco for Its Festivals
When Traditions Come Alive
If you’re wondering about the best time to visit Cusco, the period from May to July is ideal. During these months, the city hosts some of its most spectacular events, including Qoyllur Rit’i, Corpus Christi, and Inti Raymi. The dry season means clear skies and great opportunities for photography and outdoor exploration.
Practical Travel Tips
Book accommodation early, as the city gets crowded during major festivals in Cusco. Dress in layers, bring sun protection, and respect local customs. For a more intimate cultural experience, consider attending smaller community events around the Sacred Valley.
The Spirit of Celebration That Defines Cusco
Festivals in Cusco are more than cultural phenomena, they are living representations of history and identity. Each festival (like the solemn Señor de los Temblores or the festive Inti Raymi) tells a story of devotion, resilience, and joy. For the traveler, participating in these festivals means experiencing how traditions influence even day-to-day life.
When you dance with locals, share food, or listen to music from the Andes sky while listening to music from the Andes, all create the realization profits as a traveler’s reward that Cusco is endowed not with ruins, but by people and festivals. Festivals in Cusco illustrate that the heart of the city beats loudest during festivals, and communicates to every visitor that in the Andes, life is a festival of the sacred.
