Inspirations
Immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of Peru through its vibrant holidays and national festivities. Experience the country's unique traditions, colorful parades, and ancient rituals that celebrate Peru's heritage and bring its history to life
by Anthony Bourdain
19-07-2024
The greatest times to visit a country are during its holidays, when visitors may enjoy the local culture through performances, activities, dances, music, and cuisine. The party will be more larger and more enjoyable since, in many instances, these days are typically non-working holidays.
Learning about the history, traditions, and customs of the place will help bring you closer to the culture of the country.
While there are more opportunities for cultural and recreational travel, it is important to be aware of certain dates because some establishments may close early or close for the entire day in observance of the non-working holiday.
Gaining familiarity with the celebrations and holidays in Peru will assist you in making more informed preparations, from packing your suitcase to deciding which tools to bring.
The holiday season has officially begun, so there's no need to go into detail. After a wild New Year's Eve party, many people take the day off to relax and spend time with family and friends.
The majority of Peruvians are devout Catholics (75%), and this festival has its roots in biblical times. The three wise men, Gaspar, Melchior, and Baltazar, bring gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the newborn Jesus upon his birth, as the name suggests. Some of the customs observed on these days include the maintenance of the nativity scene, as well as traditional feasts, dances, and parades. For instance, in Ica, people dance the negrito dance.
Lima was founded on January 18, 1535, by the Spanish adventurer Francisco Pizarro, who dubbed it "The City of Kings." This holiday commemorates that event. Conveniently situated on the Peruvian Coast, it served as the seat of the Viceroyalty of Peru.
Many countries around the globe, including Peru, mark this day as a celebration of love and friendship. There will be a plethora of couples out and about, carrying gifts, and dining at restaurants (since Peruvian celebrations aren't complete without food).On this day, love can truly permeate your being.
The "Canto a la Vida" Festival in Lima, Peru, started its remembrance in 1983. In 1996, the State became a part of the festivities via the MIMP.
For religious people, this week begins with the celebration of Christ's passion, which is more important than anything else. Because it is based on the lunar calendar, the dates may vary from year to year; therefore, it is wise to check in advance. You won't find any meat on these dates. In contrast, many individuals use this extended break to travel domestically or abroad or just to unwind.
The events that transpired in Chicago, USA, in pursuit of workers' rights are commemorated on this worldwide holiday. Many companies will be closed on this day, though it varies by sector.
Like in other nations and cultures, a group of San Marcos University students thought it would be a good idea to honor mothers. As a result of widespread public support for the cause, the Peruvian government has designated the second Sunday of May as Mother's Day every year since 1924.
The Amazonian regions have celebrated Saint John the Baptist, who baptized Jesus, as their patron saint since the time of the Spaniards. Along with traditional dances and cuisine, visitors often take a "blessed bath" at the city's most revered water fountains.
Inti Raymi, literally "Festival of the Sun," was instituted by Inca Pachacutec in remembrance of the Sun God, the paramount deity of the Inca realm. Since 1430, it has been commemorated. At the moment, a performance is underway at the Coricancha temple, and it starts at sunrise. Then, at Cusco's Plaza de Armas, a character portraying an Inca welcomes the imperial city's contemporary ruler, the mayor, symbolizing the meeting of two eras. At last, everyone makes their way to Sacsayhuaman stronghold to see the colorful and musical Inti Raymi performance.
June 24, 1969, was the day that the "Day of the Peasant" was established as part of the Agrarian Reform Law. Changed its name from "Day of the Indian" in the past. It is a special day to honor all of their hard work.
The cultural and gastronomic significance of ceviche was recognized by the Ministry of Production in 2008, which named June 28 as Ceviche Day.
June 29: Saint Peter and Saint Paul
This is a Catholic festival honoring the apostles who preached the gospel and were patrons of Rome. This is a national holiday in Peru because of the country's strong Catholic tradition.
Following the U.S. model of celebrating Father's Day on the third Sunday of June, other Latin American nations, Peru included, adopted the practice.
On this day in 1911, news of the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu spread around the globe. The Inca monument atop the same-named mountain in Urubamba, Cusco, was "discovered" by American adventurer Hiram Bingham on that very day.
The general of the Argentinean army, José de San Martín, proclaimed Peru's independence in Lima's Plaza de Armas on July 28, 1821, marking the end of the Spanish colony and nearly three centuries of viceroyalty. On top of that, the presidency changes hands every five years on this date.
The military and police services showcase their ground and aerial weaponry during the Feriado parade on July 29.
Arequipa was first established on August 15, 1540, as "Villa Hermosa de Nuestra Señora de la Asunta" by the Marquis Don Francisco Pizarro. However, it was renamed to "City of Arequipa" by King Carlos V in a Royal Decree dated September 22, 1541.
The first American woman to be canonized as a saint was Saint Rose of Lima. The 30th was chosen as the celebration day because it was the closest to August 24, the actual anniversary of her death.
Admiral Miguel Grau Seminario lost his life on October 8, 1879, during the Battle of Angamos, which occurred in Feriado. Punta Angamos, which was part of Bolivia at the time, was the site of the naval engagement. After completing multiple offensive actions, the Huáscar was making its way towards the northern coast of Chile when it was ambushed by Chilean ships of the most recent generation.
This is why the month of October is known as "the purple month"!
After the wall bearing the picture of Christ of Pachacamilla withstood multiple powerful earthquakes and efforts to obliterate it, he assumed the role of protector of Lima. Sebastián Antuñano, a staunch advocate of the Lord of Miracles' faith, was moved to order the creation of an oil replica of the image after one of these tremors, so it might be paraded through the streets of Pachacamilla. Thousands of loyal people dressed in purple habits carry on the tradition as they parade through Lima today.
It wasn't until the passing of Lucha Reyes, a singer who popularized Creole music, on October 31, 1973, that the celebration was changed to this day in her honor. Originally, it had been scheduled to coincide with the festivity of the Lord of Miracles. Parties, traditional Creole cuisine, and dances are all part of the celebration on this date. On top of that, Halloween and this Peruvian celebration often find themselves at odds with one another.
An old Irish belief held that a merging of the living and the dead occurred between the end of October and the beginning of November. The term "Halloween" emerged later on, courtesy of the United States of America; it is an amalgam of the terms "All Hallow's Eve," meaning the night before the Feast of All Saints.
The American tradition is largely responsible for the widespread celebration of this occasion in Peru, particularly among children who go door-to-door begging for sweets while dressed as their favorite characters.
Another Catholic festival that began on November 1st in honor of the lives of the saints instituted by Pope Gregory III, who presided over the church from 731 to 741.
Pope Pio Nono officially recognized December 8, 1854, as the Day of the Immaculate Conception of Mary, after gathering in St. Peter's Basilica in response to petitions from universities around the world.
A new holiday was established on 12/31/21 to honor the Peruvian independence-solidifying Battle of Ayacucho that occurred on December 9, 1824.
Christmas Eve in Peru is celebrated on December 24th, when the birth of Jesus Christ is anticipated and Christmas dinner is eaten, in contrast to other countries that only celebrate on the 25th. This requires the assembling of Christmas trees, the preparation of tasty traditional delicacies, and the staging of a nativity scene. The Santuratikuy, a fair in Cuzco where saints are traditionally purchased, takes place on this day every year.
Here on Feriado, we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ by having lunch as a family.
On this day, people all around the globe celebrate the end of the year with dinner parties, parties, and excursions to help them welcome the new year in style!
Pope Pio Nono officially recognized December 8, 1854, as the Day of the Immaculate Conception of Mary, after gathering in St. Peter's Basilica in response to petitions from universities around the world.
A new holiday was established on 12/31/21 to honor the Peruvian independence-solidifying Battle of Ayacucho that occurred on December 9, 1824.
Christmas Eve in Peru is celebrated on December 24th, when the birth of Jesus Christ is anticipated and Christmas dinner is eaten, in contrast to other countries that only celebrate on the 25th. This requires the assembling of Christmas trees, the preparation of tasty traditional delicacies, and the staging of a nativity scene. The Santuratikuy, a fair in Cuzco where saints are traditionally purchased, takes place on this day every year.
Here on Feriado, we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ by having lunch as a family.
On this day, people all around the globe celebrate the end of the year with dinner parties, parties, and excursions to help them welcome the new year in style!
