Peru is a country full of culture, history and traditions, which is reflected in the multitude of fairs that are held throughout the year. These fairs are not only a window into local customs, but also an opportunity for visitors to experience Peruvian cuisine, art, music, and hospitality.
January
Fair of the Virgin of Chapi in Arequipa
The first major fair of the year in Peru is the Feria de la Virgen de Chapi, which is held in the Arequipa region. This religious festival attracts thousands of devotees and tourists who come to pay tribute to the Virgin of Chapi, known as the "Mamita de Chapi." During this fair, processions, masses, and a wide variety of cultural and recreational activities are held.
Sailor Fair in Trujillo
Also in January, Trujillo becomes the epicenter of the marinera, the national dance of Peru. The Feria de la Marinera is a dance competition that attracts participants from all over the country and abroad. In addition to the competitions, there are parades, musical shows and tastings of Trujillo's rich gastronomy.
February
Cajamarca's Carnival
The Cajamarca Carnival is one of the most important and colorful carnivals in Peru. For several days, the streets of Cajamarca are filled with troupes, dances, music and parades. The city dresses up to celebrate with masks, costumes and a great joy that infects all visitors. Celebrations include the election of the carnival queen and the traditional "Jueves de Compadres y Comadres."
Candelaria Festival in Puno
The Festival of the Virgin of Candelaria in Puno is one of the largest religious celebrations in South America. Declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO , this festival combines elements of the Andean and Catholic tradition. The festival includes folk dances, processions and traditional costume competitions, in which thousands of dancers and musicians participate.
March
Fair of the Lord of Tremors in Cusco
The Lord of Tremors is the sworn patron saint of Cusco and his holiday is celebrated with a series of religious and cultural events. The fair includes processions, solemn masses and community activities. The image of the Lord of Tremors is carried in a procession through the streets of Cusco, attracting a large number of faithful and tourists.
Holy Week in Ayacucho
Holy Week in Ayacucho is one of the most impressive and devout in Peru. During this week, Ayacucho becomes a center of pilgrimage and spiritual reflection. Night processions, religious songs and representations of the Passion of Christ are part of the activities carried out. In addition, you can enjoy local cuisine and typical crafts of the region.
April
International Book Fair in Lima
The Lima International Book Fair is one of the most important cultural events in the country. National and international authors meet at this fair to present their works, participate in conferences and sign books. It is an excellent opportunity for reading lovers to purchase books, meet their favorite writers and participate in literary activities.
San Marcos Fair in Cajamarca
The San Marcos Fair is one of the oldest and most traditional fairs in Peru. It is celebrated in the San Marcos district, in Cajamarca, and combines religious, cultural and agricultural elements. The fair includes livestock, agricultural and craft exhibitions, as well as Paso horse competitions, typical dances and gastronomic festivals.
May
Alasitas Fair in Puno
The Alasitas Fair, held in Puno, is a traditional fair in which miniatures are sold that represent wishes for prosperity and well-being. These miniatures, known as "alasitas", are blessed so that wishes come true. The fair also includes dance, music and cultural activities.
Festival of the Cross throughout Peru
The Festival of the Cross is celebrated in several regions of Peru and is a religious festival that pays tribute to the Holy Cross. In this celebration, processions, masses and rituals are held in which crosses are decorated with flowers and other symbolic elements. The festivities vary by region, but they all share a deep sense of devotion and tradition.
June
Inti Raymi in Cusco
The Inti Raymi or Festival of the Sun is one of the most important celebrations in the Inca calendar. It is celebrated in Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, and recreates the rituals and ceremonies that the Incas performed in honor of the Sun god. The main event takes place on the Sacsayhuamán esplanade, where a ceremony full of color is represented, traditional music and dance.
Festival of San Juan in the Jungle
The San Juan Festival is one of the most important festivities in the Peruvian Amazon. It is celebrated in honor of Saint John the Baptist and is an occasion for Amazonian communities to show their culture and traditions. The celebrations include processions, ritual baths in the rivers, typical dances and the tasting of juane, a traditional jungle dish.
July
Festival of the Virgin of Carmen in Paucartambo
The Festival of the Virgin of Carmen in Paucartambo is a religious and cultural celebration that attracts thousands of devotees and tourists. The festival includes processions, typical dances and liturgical acts in honor of the Virgin of Carmen, known as "Mamacha Carmen." The dancers, with their colorful costumes and masks, represent historical and mythical characters in a fascinating show.
National Holidays throughout Peru
On July 28 and 29, Peru celebrates its National Holidays in commemoration of the country's independence. During these days, civic-military parades, official ceremonies and cultural activities are held in all regions of the country. It is an occasion to show national pride and enjoy Peruvian gastronomy, music and traditions.
August
Fair of the Sanctuary of Santa Rosa de Lima
In August, the city of Lima celebrates the Sanctuary Fair of Santa Rosa de Lima in honor of its patron saint. This festival includes masses, processions and religious activities that attract thousands of devotees. In addition, craft and gastronomic fairs are organized where you can enjoy the typical products of the region.
Fair of the Virgin of the Assumption in Chachapoyas
The Fair of the Virgin of the Assumption is a religious celebration that takes place in Chachapoyas, in the Amazonas region. During this festival, processions, masses and typical dances are held in honor of the Virgin of the Assumption. Craft and gastronomic fairs are also organized where you can taste typical dishes of the region.
September
Fair of the Lord of Miracles in Lima
The Lord of Miracles Fair is one of the most important religious celebrations in Lima. During the month of September, the image of the Lord of Miracles, also known as the "Cristo Moreno", is carried in a procession through the streets of the city. Thousands of devotees participate in these processions, dressed in purple habits as a sign of penitence and devotion.
Arequipa International Fair
The Arequipa International Fair is one of the largest and most important in the country. This multi-sector fair brings together national and international exhibitors who present their products and services. In addition, cultural activities, musical shows and gastronomic competitions are held that show the best of the region.
October
Tanta Raymi Fair in Ancash
The Tanta Raymi Fair is held in the district of San Marcos, in the Ancash region. It is an agricultural festival that marks the beginning of the planting season. During this fair, Andean rituals are carried out in which we thank Pachamama (Mother Earth) for the harvest and ask for a good sowing. Cultural and recreational activities are also carried out.
San Francisco Fair in Cusco
The San Francisco Fair in Cusco is a religious and cultural celebration in honor of San Francisco de Asís. During this festival, masses, processions and community activities are held. In addition, craft and gastronomic fairs are organized where you can enjoy the typical products of the region.
November
All Saints Fair in Ayacucho
The All Saints Fair in Ayacucho is a religious celebration that honors the deceased. During this holiday, masses, processions and visits to cemeteries are held to pay tribute to loved ones who have died. In addition, fairs are organized where typical sweets are sold, such as "tanta wawa" and "maicillo."
San Martín de Porres Fair in Lima
In November, Lima celebrates the San Martín de Porres Fair in honor of the city's patron saint. This festival includes masses, processions and religious activities that attract thousands of devotees. In addition, craft and gastronomic fairs are organized where you can enjoy the typical products of the region.
December
Fair of the Immaculate Conception in Junín
The Purísima Concepción Fair is held in the district of Concepción, in the Junín region. During this festival, masses, processions and religious activities are held in honor of the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception. In addition, craft and gastronomic fairs are organized where you can enjoy the typical products of the region.