March is a vibrant month in Peru, with a calendar full of activities, traditions and celebrations. From religious festivals to cultural events, the month of March offers a diversity of activities that reflect the rich heritage and dynamism of Peruvian society.
1. The month of March in Peru: Climate and context
March marks the end of summer in Peru, making it a month of transition towards autumn. On the coast, the climate remains warm and dry, ideal for enjoying the beaches, while in the mountains, rain is frequent, creating a fresh and green environment. This variability of the climate also affects the activities and celebrations that take place in different regions of the country.
2. Holy Week (March 29 to April 1, 2025)
Holy Week is one of the most important religious holidays in Peru, celebrated with fervour throughout the country. During this week, Peruvians remember the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, with a series of religious rituals, processions and liturgical acts that fill the streets of the main cities.
Processions in Ayacucho Ayacucho, in the southern highlands, is known for having one of the most impressive Holy Week celebrations in Peru. This year, Holy Week will fall between March 29 and April 1, and Ayacucho will prepare to receive thousands of tourists and devotees. The processions of Holy Thursday and Good Friday, which go through the narrow streets of the historic center, are a spectacle of devotion and culture. The "andas" (platforms that carry religious images) are loaded with the effort of the faithful, while the music of the wind bands accompanies the parade.
Other celebrations In addition to Ayacucho, other cities and towns in the country celebrate Holy Week with fervour. In Lima, for example, the Plaza Mayor fills with visitors to participate in the Palm Sunday mass, while in Cusco, one of the most emblematic cities in Peru, churches and squares are transformed into spaces for prayer and reflection. Culinary traditions also play an important role during this holiday, with dishes such as "potaje de cuaresma" and "turrón de Semana Santa" enjoyed throughout the country.
3. Carnivals (February-March)
Although carnivals have their origins in February, some activities related to this festivity extend until the beginning of March. Peruvian carnivals are characterized by being a time of celebration and overflowing joy, especially in the Andean region.
Carnival in Cajamarca The Cajamarca Carnival is one of the most famous and popular in Peru. Throughout the month of February and the first week of March, Cajamarca is filled with music, dance, costume contests and, above all, the traditional "guarash", a typical drink that is shared among friends and family. The streets are transformed into a river of colors with people throwing water and foam at each other, while traditional dance groups perform in the squares.
Carnival in Puno In the Puno region, located near Lake Titicaca, Carnival is celebrated with an emphasis on traditional dances and folkloric events. The "comparzas" of dancers, dressed in colorful costumes, celebrate the Carnival festivities with songs and dances. As in Cajamarca, in Puno it is also common to use water and foam, which adds a touch of freshness and fun to the festivities.
4. Women's Day (March 8)
March 8 is an important day worldwide, and in Peru it is no exception. On this day, the fight for gender equality and women's rights is commemorated. In the main cities of the country, marches, protests and activities are organized to make women's rights visible, and to recognize the fundamental role they play in Peruvian society.
Activities in Lima In Lima, the country's capital, demonstrations are taking place in Plaza San Martín and other important points. Women, together with social and feminist organizations, are gathering to demand a Peru without gender violence, with equal employment opportunities and with better public policies for women.
Women's Day in the regions In the most remote regions of the country, especially in the Andes, women also play a central role. Through cultural events, artistic activities and local celebrations, the work and strength of rural women is highlighted. Indigenous communities also organize meetings in which their wisdom and contribution to the preservation of traditions is recognized.
5. Lima International Book Fair (March 2025)
The Lima International Book Fair (FIL Lima) is one of the most important cultural events in the literary field in Peru. Although the main edition of the fair is usually held in July, the March edition is a special version dedicated to contemporary literature. This event brings together national and international writers, publishers, libraries and readers from all over the country.
During the month of March, various cultural spaces in Lima hold talks, book presentations, and literary activities that encourage reading and the exchange of ideas. In addition, it is an opportunity for Peruvian authors to present their new works and participate in conferences and round tables.
6. Festivities in the Peruvian Amazon
March is also an important month for indigenous communities in the Amazon region of Peru. Asháninka, Shipibo and other Peruvian jungle cultures celebrate rituals and festivals related to agriculture, the lunar cycle and connection with nature.
In the Ucayali region, for example, the Yucca Festival is celebrated, which honors this fundamental food for Amazonian communities. During this festival, families gather to prepare typical dishes based on yuca and other native products. This celebration is accompanied by traditional dances, typical music and an atmosphere of fraternity that strengthens community ties.
The Choclo Festival in Loreto In Loreto, another of the Amazonian regions of Peru, the Choclo Festival is celebrated, which pays tribute to the planting and harvesting of this Andean grain. With a series of rituals and dances in the main squares of the cities and towns of the region, this festival is a way of keeping alive the ancestral customs that revolve around agriculture and the cycle of the earth.
7. Sports and cultural events in March
March is also an active month in the sports and cultural sphere. In the sports field, national competitions are held in football, volleyball and other sports. In addition, the month of March marks the beginning of the season of marathons and cycling competitions in cities such as Lima and Arequipa.
In the cultural sphere, various universities and cultural centers organize art exhibitions, concerts and festivals that celebrate Peru's cultural diversity. This month is also ideal for exploring the theater and music offerings of the main cities, especially in Lima and Cusco, where important music and dance festivals are held.
The month of March in Peru is a month full of tradition, culture, and activities that celebrate both the heritage and the evolution of Peruvian society. From religious festivals such as Holy Week, to Carnival celebrations, to the recognition of the fight for women's rights, the month of March is a reflection of the dynamism and cultural richness that characterizes Peru. Without a doubt, it is an ideal month to immerse yourself in the traditions and festive spirit of the country.