Peru is a country full of cultural diversity and vibrant traditions, and children's festivities are no exception. Throughout the year, in different regions of the country, events are held that attract families and children, offering endless recreational, educational and cultural activities.
January
1. Three Kings Feast (January 6)
The Three Kings Feast, also known as the Epiphany, is an important celebration in many Peruvian communities. In cities like Cusco and Ayacucho, parades and events are organized where children receive gifts from the Three Wise Men. Schools and parishes usually prepare theatrical performances about the visit of the Kings to the Child Jesus, accompanied by Christmas carols and recreational activities.
2. Summer Festival (All month)
During the month of January, many coastal cities in Peru, such as Lima, Trujillo and Piura, host summer festivals. These events include a variety of activities for children, from beach sports competitions to arts and crafts workshops. Parks and community centers also offer entertainment programs and summer camps.
February
3. Carnival (variable dates, generally in February)
Carnival is one of the most colorful and joyful festivities in Peru. In regions such as Cajamarca and Puno, celebrations include parades with traditional costumes, live music and typical dances. Children actively participate in the groups and enjoy games with water and paint. It is an excellent opportunity for children to learn more about local traditions and have fun at the same time.
4. Black Summer Festival (variable dates, usually in February)
In Chincha, the Black Summer Festival is celebrated, which pays tribute to Afro-Peruvian culture. During this festival, dance, music and gastronomy competitions are organized. Children can participate in percussion and dance workshops, and enjoy puppet shows and traditional Afro-Peruvian stories.
March
5. Children's Day (third Sunday of March)
Children's Day is a national holiday dedicated to celebrating and promoting the rights of children. On this date, special events are organized in parks, shopping centers and schools throughout the country. Activities include magic shows, clowns, inflatable games and drawing contests. In addition, many institutions offer discounts and special promotions so that families can enjoy a fun day.
6. Harvest Festival in Ica (variable dates, generally in March)
The Grape Harvest Festival in Ica celebrates the grape harvest and the production of wine and pisco. During the festival, parades, food fairs and beauty contests are organized. Children can enjoy hayrides, craft workshops and traditional games. In addition, there are music and dance shows that entertain the whole family.
April
7. Holy Week (variable dates, generally in April)
Holy Week is an important religious celebration in Peru, and many communities organize special events for children. In cities like Ayacucho, processions and theatrical performances of the Passion of Christ are held. Children participate in workshops making flower carpets and attend masses and religious activities.
8. International Puppet Festival in Lima (variable dates, generally in April)
The International Puppet Festival in Lima is an event that brings together puppeteers from all over the world. During the festival, puppet shows are presented in various theaters and cultural centers in the city. Children can attend performances and participate in puppet-making workshops, where they learn to make and manipulate their own characters.
May
9. Labor Day (May 1)
Labor Day is a national holiday in Peru, and many families take the opportunity to spend time together. In various cities, sporting and recreational events are organized for children. Parks and sports clubs offer activities such as soccer, volleyball and cycling, as well as family games and competitions.
10. Children's Festival in Cusco (variable dates, usually in May)
In Cusco, the Children's Festival is celebrated, an event that seeks to promote local culture and traditions among the little ones. During the festival, art, music and dance workshops are organized. Children can participate in drawing contests, typical dance competitions and children's theater shows.
June
11. Feast of San Juan (June 24)
The Festival of San Juan is a traditional celebration in the Amazon region of Peru. In cities like Iquitos and Pucallpa, events are organized for the whole family, including traditional games, gastronomic fairs and parades. Children can participate in recreational activities, such as sack races, fishing contests and craft workshops.
12. Inti Raymi (June 24)
The Inti Raymi, or Festival of the Sun, is an ancient Inca celebration that takes place in Cusco. During this festival, a great theatrical representation of the Inca rituals is held in honor of the sun. Children can attend ceremonies and parades, and participate in Inca art and culture workshops, where they learn about the history and traditions of this ancient civilization.
July
13. National Holidays (July 28 and 29)
The National Holidays are a national celebration in Peru that commemorates the country's independence. Civic parades and cultural events are organized throughout the territory. Children enjoy fireworks shows, concerts and fairs. Many cities offer free recreational activities, such as inflatable games, painting workshops, and children's theater performances.
14. Festival de la Marinera (variable dates, generally in July)
The Marinera Festival is a celebration dedicated to the national dance of Peru, the marinera. In cities like Trujillo, sailor competitions are organized for children and adults. Little ones can participate in dance classes, learn about the history of the marinera, and enjoy dance shows. In addition, there are fairs and recreational activities for the whole family.
August
15. Day of Saint Rose of Lima (August 30)
Saint Rose of Lima Day is a religious holiday in honor of the patron saint of Lima and America. On this date, many parishes and schools organize special activities for children, such as drawing and poetry contests, recreational games and children's masses. Additionally, in Lima, a large procession is held in honor of Santa Rosa, attended by families from all over.
16. Pachamama Festival (August 1)
The Pachamama Festival, or Festival of Mother Earth, is an Andean celebration that takes place in regions such as Puno and Cusco. During the festival, ceremonies are held to thank the land for its fruits. Children participate in offerings and rituals, and enjoy activities such as ceramic workshops, making corn dolls, and traditional games.
September
17. Spring and Youth Day (September 23)
Spring and Youth Day is a celebration that marks the beginning of spring in Peru. In many cities, float parades, costume contests, and sporting events are organized for children. Schools prepare special activities, such as picnics and recreational competitions. It is a happy and colorful date that invites families to enjoy the outdoors and nature.
18. International Clown Festival in Lima (variable dates, usually in September)
The International Clown Festival in Lima is an event that brings together clowns from different parts of the world. During the festival, circus, magic and comedy theater shows are presented at various stages in the city. Children can attend performances and participate in clown workshops, where they learn makeup, acting and balloon twisting techniques.
October
19. Creole Song Day (October 31)
Creole Song Day is a celebration dedicated to Creole music, a traditional Peruvian genre. On this date, clubs and concerts are organized in various cities across the country. Children can enjoy Creole music and dance performances, and participate in guitar and cajon workshops. It is an excellent opportunity for children to become familiar with the musical wealth of Peru.
20. Spring Festival in Trujillo (variable dates, usually in October)
The Spring Festival in Trujillo is one of the most important events in northern Peru. During the festival, float parades, beauty contests and food fairs are held. Children can participate in recreational activities, such as inflatable games, craft workshops and drawing competitions. In addition, there are music and dance shows that entertain the whole family.
November
21. All Saints' Day (November 1)
All Saints' Day is a religious holiday that honors saints and deceased loved ones. In many communities, special activities are organized for children, such as making offerings and visiting cemeteries. Additionally, in some regions, fairs and recreational events are held where children can enjoy games and shows.
22. Turrón Festival in Lima (variable dates, generally in November)
The Nougat Festival in Lima celebrates one of the most traditional sweets in the capital. During the festival, gastronomic fairs are organized where children can taste different varieties of nougat. In addition, there are recreational activities, such as cooking competitions, baking workshops, and puppet shows and storytelling.
December
23. Christmas (December 25)
Christmas is one of the most anticipated holidays for children in Peru. During the month of December, a series of events and activities are organized throughout the country. Squares and parks are decorated with Christmas lights and decorations, and Christmas fairs and markets are held. Children can enjoy carol shows, children's theater and visits from Santa Claus. In addition, many communities organize chocolate parties and gift giving for the little ones.
24. Festival of Lights and Colors in Arequipa (variable dates, generally in December)
The Festival of Lights and Colors in Arequipa is an event that marks the beginning of the Christmas season in the city. During the festival, light parades, concerts and fireworks are held. Children can participate in Christmas craft workshops, enjoy games and competitions, and attend music and dance performances. It is a magical celebration that illuminates the city and fills all attendees with joy.
2024 promises to be a year full of joy and enriching experiences for children in Peru. Children's festivities throughout the year not only offer fun and entertainment, but also educational and cultural opportunities that help little ones connect with the country's rich heritage.