Photos Peruvian Festivals

Inti Raymi is a festival that reverts back to the Inca's. It is a celebration and a sacrifice to Inti, the Sun God,and is still celebrated in some indigenous cultures in the Andes. The celebrations of the "Festival of the Sun” in Cusco and Sacsayhuaman, which involve colorful costumes and lots of music, can be seen in these photos.

The celebration for the Lord of Tremors or Earthquakes is held on Easter Monday in Cusco. This slideshow of beautiful photos gives a good impression of this interesting celebration. Enjoy pictures of processions where the mix of Andean religions and Christianity can be noted.

The Fiesta de la Candelaria is a festival in honor of the Virgin of Candelaria, patron of the city of Puno. Enjoy these images of one of the largest and most important cultural festivals in Peru, and even one of the three largest festivals in South America. A true spectacle of music and dancing!

Catch a glimpse of the festivities held in the town of Paucartambo, where thousands of devotees honor the Virgen del Carmen, known locally as “Mamacha Carmen”. Beautiful dancers in all kinds of traditional attire accompany the Mamacha, patron saint of the mestizo population, through the streets. Enjoy these images of one of Peru’s most colorful festivals.

Qoylloriti is an old religious procession, practiced by indigenous people of the Andes. Once a year, every small village or clan sends a delegation with colorful dancers to the Chapel of the “Señor de Qoylloriti". Have a look at the celebrations and the processions of Qoyllority, which is considered the biggest indigenous pilgrimage in America.

These photographs give an impression of the religious pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of El Señor de Huanca, which takes place in September each year. Thousands of devotees from countries such as Peru, Bolivia, Argentina and Chile go to this Sanctuary, close to Cusco, to receive the blessing of the Lord.

A photo gallery with images of the Yawar Fiesta, meaning Blood Festival in Quechua. It is a ritual bullfight that celebrates the clash between the conquerors (represented by a bull) and the indigenous people (represented by a condor). The festival is held in Apurimac, in the mountains of Peru, during the “Fiestas Patrias" of Peru.

Corpus Christi is a very important religious celebration in Peru. This selection of pictures show the special festivities of Corpus Christi in Cajamarca and Cusco, where Catholics take part in processions, representing several saints and virgins. Thousands of visitors and believers enjoy traditional and colorful ceremonies while they sing and dance.

Every year, during the month of April, the National Competition of the "Peruvian Horse", is held in Lima. This photo gallery shows some great pictures of the ‘chalans’, the horse riders, with their typical ponchos and "jipijapa" hats. This festival is a feast for the eye, especially for horse lovers!

Check out these pictures of the Marinera Festival, which takes place annually in Trujillo, in January. The festival is focused on Marinera, one of the most elegant dances in Peru, with presentations, competitions and parades. You can see on the pictures that the dance is very elegant and graceful, showing a blend of the different cultures of Peru.

Probably the most important celebration of the year, Christmas in Peru is celebrated on the 24th December with much fanfare. Browse through these images of Christmas markets in Cusco, the exchange of gifts and chocolate during the traditional ‘chocolatada’ and overall snapshots of Peruvians and tourists enjoying the magical Christmas season.