Holidays are a fundamental part of life in Peru , not only because they represent a break from the work routine, but also because they are occasions to celebrate the country's rich cultural and religious heritage. In 2025, Peru will have a calendar full of important dates, which will offer Peruvians the opportunity to share with their loved ones, reflect on their history and enjoy unique traditions.
January
January 1st: New Year
January 1 marks the beginning of the new year, a time of renewal and hope. The celebration begins on the evening of December 31 with the traditional “New Year’s Eve,” where families gather to say goodbye to the year with a special dinner, fireworks, and rituals such as the 12 grapes, which represent wishes for each month of the coming year. In 2025, January 1 will fall on a Thursday, providing a long weekend, ideal for traveling or enjoying family activities.
January 6: Three Kings Day
January 6th is the day of the Three Wise Men, a very popular tradition in some regions of Peru. Although it is not a national holiday, it is a special day in cities with close-knit religious communities, such as in the coastal area and some areas of the mountains. Families prepare the "Rosca de Reyes", a sweet bread decorated with candied fruit and filled with surprises, where tradition dictates that whoever finds the figure of the baby Jesus must organize the celebration of Candlemas Day in February.
February
February 14: Valentine's Day
While February 14 is not an official holiday in Peru, it is widely celebrated as Valentine's Day, a time to express love and friendship. In 2025, this day will fall on a Friday, making it an opportunity to enjoy romantic dinners, special events, and gifts between couples and friends.
February 2: Day of the Virgin of Candelaria
One of the most important holidays in February is the Day of the Virgin of Candelaria, which is celebrated on February 2, especially in Puno. This festival is considered one of the largest in the country and has been recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. During this day, thousands of dancers dress in traditional costumes and participate in processions and folk dance competitions, highlighting the Diablada and the Morenada.
March
March 29: Holy Week
Holy Week in Peru is a deeply religious celebration that commemorates the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. The most important days are Holy Thursday and Good Friday, during which processions, masses and performances are held in different cities of the country. Holy Week in 2025 begins on March 29 with Palm Sunday, and culminates on April 5 with Easter Sunday. The most notable festivities take place in cities such as Cusco, Arequipa and Ayacucho, where traditions are kept alive and celebrations are a sign of the religious fervor and devotion of the Peruvian people.
April
April 5: Holy Saturday
Holy Saturday is a day that marks the transition between the mourning of Good Friday and the celebration of the Resurrection on Easter Sunday. It is a day of contemplation and prayer, during which many Peruvian families attend mass and visit their loved ones.
April 6: Easter Sunday
Easter Sunday, or Resurrection Sunday, is one of the most joyful days in the Christian calendar. In Peru, it is celebrated with masses, processions and community events. In some regions, it is customary for families to gather together to share a special meal.
May
May 1: International Workers' Day
May 1 is a national holiday in Peru and a date of great importance for workers. On this day, historical struggles for better working conditions are commemorated and activities ranging from marches and rallies to events in companies and associations are held. Labor Day in 2025 will fall on a Thursday, so many Peruvians are expected to take advantage of it to spend a long weekend, enjoying recreational activities or relaxing with their families.
May 2: Day of the Battle of Arica
This day commemorates the heroic Battle of Arica in 1880, a key confrontation in the War of the Pacific. Although it is not a mandatory holiday at the national level, it is a day of pride in the Arica region, where ceremonies and civic events are held to remember the heroes of the battle.
June
June 24: Inti Raymi
Inti Raymi, or the Festival of the Sun, is one of the most iconic celebrations in Peru and has its origins in the time of the Incas. This festival takes place in Cusco and represents the winter solstice, where people thank the god Inti (the sun god) for the harvest and ask for abundance for the next cycle. The celebration includes dances, rituals, and historical representations that attract thousands of tourists and locals every year. In 2025, Inti Raymi will be celebrated on a Tuesday, giving attendees an excellent opportunity to enjoy the event and the parallel festivities.
June 29: Saint Peter and Saint Paul Day
Saint Peter and Saint Paul Day is a national holiday that commemorates the patron saints of the Catholic Church. It is a very special day in the fishing communities of the Peruvian coast, where masses, processions and activities are organized in honor of the saints. This day also marks the beginning of religious festivals in some coastal regions and is an opportunity to enjoy local cuisine and typical dishes of the area.
July
July 28 and 29: Peruvian Independence Day
Peru's Independence Day is the most significant event on the national calendar. It is celebrated on July 28, the anniversary of the country's declaration of independence, and runs until July 29, the day when the swearing-in of independence is celebrated in Lima. During these days, military parades, concerts, folk dances and parties take place throughout the country. In 2025, the celebrations will fall on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, so a festive atmosphere is expected throughout the week.
August
August 15: Assumption of the Virgin Mary
August 15 is a religious holiday honoring the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. Although it is not a holiday with large-scale celebrations, masses and religious events are held throughout the country, especially in Catholic communities.
October
October 8: Battle of Angamos
October 8 is a day commemorating the Battle of Angamos, one of the most important battles of the Pacific War. Although it is not a holiday of rest, civic acts and memorials are held to honor the heroes of the battle, in particular Admiral Miguel Grau.
October 31: Halloween
Although Halloween is not an official holiday in Peru, it has gained popularity in recent years. It is celebrated with themed parties, decorations and events in many schools and neighborhoods, where children and adults dress up in costumes and participate in trick-or-treating activities.
December
December 8: Immaculate Conception
December 8 is a day of religious fervor, celebrating the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary. This holiday is celebrated in particular in Catholic communities and is a day of rest throughout the country.
December 25th: Christmas
Christmas in Peru is one of the most important and anticipated celebrations of the year. Families gather together to share a special dinner, attend mass, and open presents. Traditions include preparing the turkey or Christmas dinner, using nativity scenes, and celebrating Midnight Mass. In 2025, Christmas will fall on a Thursday, so many people will take advantage of the long weekend to travel or rest.
Peru’s holidays in 2025 are filled with meaning, traditions, and opportunities to celebrate the country’s rich culture and religion. From the religious festivities of Holy Week and Inti Raymi to the civic events of Independence and moments of recollection such as the Day of the Virgin of Candelaria, each date offers a reason for Peruvians to come together and share special moments. In addition, the possibility of planning trips and activities around these holidays contributes to strengthening family and community ties. Without a doubt, 2025 will be a year full of moments that will be remembered and cherished throughout Peru.