The Peruvian Amazon is not just jungle and biodiversity: it is also a deeply spiritual region , where celebrations blend the Catholic faith with ancestral Amazonian beliefs.
In riverside towns, native communities, and cities like Iquitos, Tarapoto, Pucallpa, and Moyobamba, a different patron saint festival is celebrated each month, with music, dances, processions, and traditional foods that reflect the soul of eastern Peru.
Unlike more well-known festivals like San Juan (June 24) , there are many other lesser-known celebrations that showcase the cultural richness of this region. In this article, we'll tell you about those festive gems that deserve greater recognition.
1. Feast of the Immaculate Conception in Tarapoto
Every December 8 , the city of Tarapoto (San Martín) celebrates with great devotion to the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception , known locally as La Purísima .
For more than a week, neighborhoods organize mayordomías (stewardships) that prepare processions, parades, traditional bands, and food fairs . It's customary to cook the traditional juane de gallina (chicken stew), accompanied by masato (a traditional dish of chicken) and live music.
The most unique aspect of this festival is its combination of religious and festive elements : on every street, residents decorate their houses, organize parades, and close with a grand folk dance that lasts until dawn.
👉 You can complement this topic with other articles on religious celebrations in the country at https://www.calendarioperu.com/blog .
2. Feast of San Martín de Tours in Moyobamba
In the heart of the high jungle, Moyobamba celebrates its patron saint, San Martín de Tours , in November with a fascinating blend of religiosity and folklore.
The activities begin with masses, parades, and traditional dance competitions , but what draws the most attention are the "Moyobambina gangs," lively dances with bass drums and drums that parade through the streets while the townspeople share traditional drinks like corn chicha.
In addition, the “entrada de chamizas” (entrance of chamizas) takes place, a custom in which large torches are lit and a night-time procession takes place illuminating the entire town, a symbol of purification and spiritual renewal.
3. Feast of Saint John the Baptist in the central jungle
Although June 24th is widely celebrated, each Amazonian region adds its own twist.
In Ucayali, Huánuco and San Martín , the Feast of San Juan combines Catholicism with the indigenous worldview.
The emblematic juane , which symbolizes the saint's head, is prepared, and the traditional "juane search" takes place on the riverbanks, a family activity in which children find bijao leaves with surprises inside.
In Pucallpa , Shipibo communities incorporate cleansing rituals with river water and traditional chants known as ikaros .
4. Feast of Saints Peter and Paul in Loreto
On June 29 , the coastal towns of Loreto celebrate the fishermen saints Saint Peter and Saint Paul .
This festival has a strong connection to the Amazon River: processions take place on decorated rafts that sail amidst chants, flowers, and flags.
Residents organize canoeing competitions, artisanal fishing, and traditional dances . In Iquitos, the festival is complemented by food fairs offering dishes such as inchicapi de gallina (chicken ), patarashca ( a type of stew), and drinks like aguajina (a type of water).
Beyond religious fervor, this festival reflects the dependence and respect for the river , considered a source of life and sustenance.
5. Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi in Atalaya (Ucayali)
Every October 4 , the Atalaya district in Ucayali pays tribute to Saint Francis of Assisi , patron saint of nature.
The celebration unites Asháninka, Yin and mestizo communities in rituals of gratitude to the forest , with traditional dances, drum music and typical drinks such as fermented masato .
During the procession, petals and leaves are thrown into the river as a symbol of connection with the water spirits. At night, the streets are filled with regional music and craft fairs.
This festival is an excellent example of religious syncretism and respect for nature , two essential values in the Amazonian worldview.
6. Virgin of the Snows in Lamas
Lamas, known as the “City of Three Ecological Floors,” celebrates the Virgen de las Nieves , the town’s patron saint, every August 5th .
The Wayku communities organize a colorful parade with feather costumes, masks, and war dances , representing the link between faith and indigenous tradition.
During the festival, the “entrada del chunchu” (entering the chunchu) takes place, a dance of ancestral origin that symbolizes the defense of the territory and the union of the Amazonian peoples.
This cultural expression is considered one of the most authentic in eastern Peru.
7. Aguajillo Festival in Yurimaguas
One of the most curious celebrations is the Aguajillo Festival , held in Yurimaguas (Loreto) during the month of September.
Unlike others, this festival does not have a religious origin, but rather a gastronomic and environmental one : it pays homage to the aguaje , the emblematic fruit of the jungle.
Cooking competitions, organic fairs, and exhibitions of aguaje-derived products, such as ice cream, creams, and natural drinks, are organized.
In addition, there are parades featuring costumes made from plant-based fibers, highlighting the commitment to sustainability.
8. Patronal festivals of native communities
Beyond the cities, the Shipibo, Awajún, and Ashaninka communities also have their own celebrations, where the focus is on the spiritual connection with nature.
Among them are:
The “Ani Xeati” (Great People's Festival) festival , in Shipibo communities, which celebrates social unity with ritual dances and songs.
The “Pujaki” , among the Awajún, a ceremony that thanks the spirits of the forest before the harvest.
Youth initiation festivities , where body painting, ancestral music and learning rituals are mixed.
These events are little known outside their communities, but they represent an invaluable cultural treasure that deserves to be disseminated and preserved.
The cultural value of Amazonian festivals
The Amazon's patron saint festivals are not only spaces of devotion: they are manifestations of collective identity , where music, dance, and gastronomy transmit ancestral knowledge.
In them you can see the balance between Catholicism introduced by colonization and the original beliefs of the jungle , creating a unique, deeply Peruvian spirituality.
Promoting and documenting these festivals helps preserve the country's intangible cultural heritage and encourage responsible tourism , where visitors not only observe, but also learn and respect .
Recommendations for getting to know these holidays
If you want to experience the Peruvian Amazon authentically, keep these recommendations in mind:
📅 Plan ahead , as many celebrations last several days and accommodations often fill up.
🌿 Respect local customs and avoid behavior that may be considered offensive.
📸 Support local artisans and producers by purchasing directly from fairs or markets.
🚣♀️ Opt for sustainable tourism , hiring guides and services from local communities.
The Amazon: a mosaic of faith, tradition and nature
These celebrations are a showcase of the deep and diverse Peru , where spirituality, joy, and love for the land are expressed in every song and dance.
Visiting the Amazon during the holiday season is like discovering a different Peru , more intimate, greener, and more human.
To learn about other regional celebrations in the country, you can visit the CalendarioPeru.com blog, where you'll find articles on traditional festivals, anniversaries, and cultural tourism throughout Peru.