January is the first month of the year and marks the beginning of a period in which many people in Peru take advantage of the opportunity to rest, travel or engage in cultural and recreational activities.
National Holidays in January 2025
In Peru, official holidays are days on which most public institutions and many private companies suspend their activities to commemorate important historical, religious or cultural events. In January 2025, the holiday calendar is characterized by celebrations of both religious and social importance. Below are the holidays for this month.
1. January 1st – New Year
January 1st is a national holiday celebrated throughout the country. It is a day that commemorates the beginning of a new year according to the Gregorian calendar, and is a date full of hope, reflection, and new beginnings. New Year's Eve, known as "Nochevieja," is one of the most anticipated and lively holidays in Peru. Families gather to celebrate with special meals, fireworks, and traditional rituals such as the Grape Harvest, in which twelve grapes are eaten at midnight, making a wish for each month of the new year.
On this day, most shops, government offices and schools remain closed. Many Peruvians take advantage of this holiday to get out of the city and enjoy getaways to tourist destinations such as the Pacific coast, the mountains or the jungle.
2. January 6 – Three Kings Day
Three Kings' Day, celebrated on January 6, is a holiday that has special meaning for families with children. This date commemorates the visit of the Three Wise Men to Baby Jesus in Bethlehem, and is traditionally an occasion for gift-giving, especially in communities with a Christian tradition.
Although it is not a mandatory national holiday, Three Kings' Day is a day that is celebrated in many regions of Peru. In some localities, it is common to hold processions, masses and theatrical performances that recreate the story of the arrival of the Three Wise Men. In the field of gastronomy, it is common to find the "Roscón de Reyes", a sweet bread decorated with candied fruit and icing sugar, which symbolizes the crown of the Kings.
Special Events and Celebrations in January
In addition to official holidays, January in Peru is marked by cultural events and festivities that reflect the country's rich diversity of traditions. These events attract not only locals, but also tourists from around the world, who seek to experience the essence of Peruvian celebrations.
1. Candlemas Festival (Preparations)
Although the Fiesta de la Candelaria is officially celebrated in February in Puno, preparations and preliminary events already begin in January. This festival is one of the most important in the Andean region and combines religious and cultural elements. In the city of Puno, considered the folkloric capital of Peru, dance and music rehearsals and competitions are organized in honor of the Virgin of Candelaria. The comparsas and folkloric groups begin to prepare their costumes and choreographies, creating a festive atmosphere that extends throughout the month.
2. Marinera Festival in Trujillo (Preparations)
Marinera is one of the most representative dances of the Peruvian coast, and in Trujillo, the capital of the La Libertad region, January is a month of preparation for the famous Marinera Festival, which is held in February. In this month, auditions and training sessions are held at dance schools, and the "Marinera Fair" is held, where attendees can enjoy performances by dance groups and sample the region's typical cuisine. This event serves as a preview for the country's most important competition, the National Marinera Competition, which takes place in February.
January Traditions and Customs
In January, Peruvian customs and traditions vary depending on the region and cultural influences. However, there are some common practices found in many parts of the country.
1. The Lucky Grapes
The ritual of eating twelve grapes at midnight on December 31, extended through January 1, is a very popular tradition in Peru and other Spanish-speaking countries. Each grape represents a month of the year, and making a wish by eating each one is said to ensure good luck and prosperity in the coming year. In some homes, it is also common to include a golden-colored grape or a grape that is kept as a symbol of financial prosperity.
2. New Year rituals
In southern Peru, especially in the Andean region, ancestral rituals are performed such as the burning of rag dolls called "Años Viejos". These dolls symbolize the year that is ending and are burned to leave behind the negative and welcome the new cycle. The figures of the "Años Viejos" can represent public figures, historical figures or symbols of the problems of the previous year. This practice has roots in indigenous traditions and has merged with urban folklore, becoming a common tradition in many Peruvian cities.
Recommendations to Take Advantage of the January Holidays
For those planning to visit Peru in January 2025, there are many ways to make the most of the celebrations and traditions of this month. Here are some tips:
Visiting the Coast and Beaches : During January, the Peruvian coast is in the middle of summer, so it is an excellent opportunity to enjoy the beaches of Lima, Mancora, Paracas and other coastal towns. The temperatures are warm and you can practice water sports, relax on the sand and taste the typical food of the region, such as ceviche and seafood.
Participate in Local Festivals : Although January doesn't have any major celebrations on a national level, it is the month when important events such as the Fiesta de la Candelaria and the Festival de la Marinera are prepared. Taking advantage of the opportunity to attend test events, rehearsals and performances in cities such as Puno and Trujillo can offer a preview of what to expect in February.
Explore Peruvian Culture and Gastronomy : There is no better way to get to know the richness of Peru than through its gastronomy. In January, local markets are full of fresh seasonal produce, such as tropical fruits, and typical dishes such as "pollo a la brasa", "lomo saltado" and "papa a la huancaína". Don't forget to try the "pisco sour", the national drink, on terraces and restaurants with views of the sea or the mountains.
January in Peru is a month full of activities, celebrations, and traditions that allow locals and tourists alike to immerse themselves in the country’s culture. Although not every day is an official holiday, the month offers a variety of events and preparations for important festivities in February, such as the Fiesta de la Candelaria in Puno and the Festival de la Marinera in Trujillo. With its religious celebrations, ancient customs, and a festive atmosphere in the streets, January in Peru is an ideal month to experience the warmth, joy, and diversity of Peruvian life.