Little-known regional festivals you should know about
Peru is a country where something different is celebrated every month. In its towns, communities, and provinces, traditions that blend religious, agricultural, and cultural elements are kept alive. However, many of these regional festivals are not well-known outside their local areas, despite their great historical and touristic value.
In this article you will learn about some of the most authentic and little-known regional festivals in Peru , ideal for lovers of culture and experiential tourism.
(👉 You can also read about national holidays in Peru or typical Peruvian dances to complement this reading).
Regional festivals on the coast of Peru
Feast of Saint Peter and Saint Paul in Huanchaco (La Libertad)
Every June 29th, the fishermen of Huanchaco pay homage to their patron saints. Reed boats adorned with flowers and flags sail the sea in procession, while the image of Saint Peter blesses the waters.
This celebration combines faith, ancestral fishing practices, and sea music. It is one of the purest expressions of coastal syncretism.
Highlights:
Reed boat competition.
Blessing of the sea and nautical procession.
Seafood cuisine with ceviches and stews.
📍 Ideal to visit if you are attracted to coastal cultural tourism.
Festival of the Lord of the Sea in Pucusana (Lima)
Every first Sunday of October, the fishermen of Pucusana hold the traditional maritime procession of the Lord of the Sea . The image travels along the coast accompanied by decorated boats, while Creole and marinera music plays.
Unlike more well-known celebrations, such as the Lord of Miracles in Lima, this festival maintains a deeply rooted maritime identity.
Interesting fact: the festival was declared a Cultural Heritage of the Nation for its symbolic value in the fishing identity of Peru.
Fig Festival in Chilca (Cañete)
In January, the district of Chilca celebrates the Fig Festival , where local producers and families showcase the variety and derivatives of this fruit, considered a symbol of the area.
Food fairs, competitions and tastings of products such as jams, nectars and artisanal desserts are held.
Tip: This festival combines gastronomy, Creole music and local products, ideal for those looking for rural experiences near Lima.
Regional festivals in the highlands of Peru
Tayta Shanti Festival in Huancayo (Junín)
Every July 25th, the people of Huancayo celebrate Tayta Shanti , the patron saint who protects the crops and wards off illness. The festivities include parades, traditional dances, and open-air masses.
It is a festival with pre-Hispanic roots adapted to the Catholic calendar, and is not widely known outside of Junín.
Highlights:
Dances such as the shantiquitos and the modern huaylash.
Agricultural processions and rituals.
Andean music competitions.
👉 You can complement this topic with our article on typical dances of Peru by region .
Water Festival in San Pedro de Cajas (Tarma)
During February, the town of San Pedro de Cajas celebrates the "Water Festival", an agricultural ritual that gives thanks for the arrival of the rains and blesses the fields.
The farmers decorate the canals with flowers, dance in colorful costumes, and play tinyas (drums) and quenas.
Cultural value: It represents the connection between Andean man and nature, inherited from pre-Incan traditions.
Carnival of Andahuaylas (Apurímac)
While the Cajamarca Carnival is the most famous, the Andahuaylas Carnival offers a different experience: each community competes with its best troupe, its Quechua songs and multicolored costumes.
The atmosphere is cheerful and rural, with dances that represent the fertility of the land and communal unity.
Must-sees:
Carnival group competition in the Plaza de Armas.
Yunza (gift tree) competitions.
Days of music, traditional food and chicha de jora.
Regional festivals in the Peruvian jungle
Feast of Saint John (Amazon rainforest)
Although well-known in the Amazon region, it is still not widely celebrated nationally. It takes place every June 24th in cities such as Iquitos, Tarapoto, and Pucallpa.
During the festival, families prepare juane , a typical dish wrapped in bijao leaves, which symbolizes family unity.
Typical activities:
Jungle music festivals.
Juan preparation contests.
Traditional dances such as the Amazonian gang.
👉 You can also read our article about typical Peruvian jungle cuisine .
Festival of the Virgin of the Snows in Chachapoyas (Amazonas)
Celebrated in August, this festival combines religious and festive elements. The locals hold processions, fireworks displays, and traditional dance competitions.
Although Chachapoyas is known for the Kuélap archaeological complex, this festival offers an intimate glimpse into its cultural identity.
What makes it special: its rural devotion and its family character, where the whole community participates in the preparations.
Carnival of Rioja (San Martín)
This carnival, celebrated in February, is one of the most joyful in the Amazon, but still little known outside the region.
It is characterized by its troupes with jungle attire, traditional dances and the "Amazonian yunza", adorned with fruits and gifts.
Fact: It's ideal for tourists looking for authentic experiences without the mass tourism of other carnivals.
Unique patron saint festivals in inland villages
Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary in Sechura (Piura)
It takes place in October and attracts thousands of devotees from the northern coast. It is one of the most important religious festivals in the northern region, featuring processions, fireworks, and band competitions.
Unique feature: It combines Catholic faith with coastal music and dance, highlighting the popular devotion of the fishermen.
Feast of the Captive Lord of Ayabaca (Piura)
Every October, thousands of pilgrims walk for days to the sanctuary of the Lord of Ayabaca . This pilgrimage, filled with faith and sacrifice, brings together the faithful from Peru and Ecuador.
Cultural relevance: It is one of the largest pilgrimages in northern Peru, comparable in devotion to the Lord of Miracles.
Feast of the Child Jesus of Puren in Ayacucho
Celebrated in January, it is a joyful festival that blends religious and artistic traditions. It features scissor dances , parades, and Christmas carols in Quechua.
Importance: It rescues Andean customs and promotes the continuity of artisanal and musical traditions.
Why visit these little-known festivals?
They promote community-based and sustainable tourism , benefiting rural communities.
They allow you to experience Peruvian cultural diversity firsthand.
These are unique opportunities to live authentic experiences , far from the traditional tourist routes.
They promote the preservation of ancestral dances, music, and gastronomy.
Furthermore, these celebrations align with the growing trend of experiential tourism , where visitors seek to connect with local people and customs, rather than with conventional tourist sites.