With the arrival of the second half of April, the landscape of holidays and official days off in Peru is beginning to take shape. The Executive Branch has ratified the schedule of holidays and non-working days for the upcoming month of May, news that is generating great anticipation in both the tourism sector and among families looking to plan recreational and religious activities. This announcement coincides with the start of the most important celebrations on the Andean and Catholic calendar, marking a turning point in the economic dynamics of the second quarter of the year.
Official holiday calendar and the first long weekend in May
The official calendar establishes that Friday, May 1st, Labor Day, will be a national holiday for both the public and private sectors. Since it falls on a Friday, it creates the first long weekend of the month, encouraging thousands of citizens to travel within the country. According to projections from the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Mincetur), more than one million Peruvians are expected to take short- and medium-distance trips during these three days.
To understand the significance of these dates, it's essential to review what is celebrated in May in Peru , as this month is notable not only for its days off work but also for its rich traditions that mobilize entire communities. Authorities have reminded the public that, unlike public holidays, non-working days declared by supreme decree are compensatory, and their observance in the private sector depends on the agreement between employer and employee.
The Festival of the Crosses and its impact on regional tourism
One of the most popular festivals during the first days of May is the Fiesta de las Cruces (Festival of the Crosses) in Peru . This celebration, which blends Christian faith with elements of the Andean worldview, is centered in regions such as Cusco, Ayacucho, Junín, and Huancavelica. In these areas, the brotherhoods and stewards have already begun preparations for the "descent" and procession of the crosses, events that are usually accompanied by traditional dances and food fairs.
The impact of this festival is such that many provinces report hotel occupancy rates close to 90% for the first week of May. Travelers seek not only to participate in the religious ceremonies but also to experience the rich cultural heritage that these Peruvian celebrations, which attract international tourism, offer the world. Public safety and the maintenance of access roads to the central and southern highlands are currently the top priorities for regional governments to ensure the flow of visitors.
Pilgrimage to the Virgin of Chapi in Arequipa
Meanwhile, in the south of the country, the White City is preparing to receive thousands of faithful for the festival of the Virgin of Chapi . The sanctuary, located in the district of Polobaya, is the destination of one of the largest pilgrimages in Peru. Arequipa authorities have designed a contingency plan that includes rapid response aid stations and vehicle restrictions on certain sections of the route to protect the pilgrims who travel kilometers through the desert to fulfill their vows.
This devotion is not only an act of faith, but also an economic engine for the Arequipa region, boosting the transportation, food service, and retail sectors. Attendees are advised to check the weather and ensure they have the appropriate equipment, as well as to use Peruvian apps that facilitate travel and domestic tourism to monitor routes and available services in real time.
Activities for Peruvian Children's Day in April
Before the May festivities begin, Peru is preparing to celebrate Peruvian Children's Day this Sunday, 2026. Unlike the international celebration in August, this date, established by law, seeks to reaffirm children's rights within the national context. Various municipalities have scheduled festivals in parks, museums, and cultural centers with free admission or promotional rates for children.
This is a key moment for educational institutions and families to reflect on children's well-being. Those wishing to delve deeper into the origins of this and other dates this month can consult the list of what is celebrated in April in Peru , which details the important events that mark national identity during these weeks.
Recommendations for travel planning and safety
In anticipation of these mass events, the Peruvian National Police (PNP) and the Superintendency of Land Transportation of Passengers, Cargo, and Goods (Sutran) have intensified control operations at major bus terminals and toll plazas. Citizens are urged to use formal transportation services and to check the condition of their vehicles if they choose to travel privately.
The Ministry of Health (Minsa) also recommends maintaining preventive measures against sudden temperature changes, especially in the high Andean regions where the frost season is beginning. Advance planning, respect for traffic laws, and appreciation of our cultural traditions will allow this cycle of festivities between April and May to unfold safely and productively for all Peruvians.