The main event of Cusco Carnival is held in the city’s Plaza de Armas (Main Square) bringing together an array of public and private organizations to offer an incredible spectacle featuring dances and music performed by different types of troupes known as pandillas and comparsas. Many of these groups have won numerous prizes at the different festivals celebrated in the Sacred Valley and the South Valley.

The Celebration of the Compadres and Comadres
Traditionally, Carnival begins two Thursdays before the main event, with one day dedicated to compadres and the other, to comadres. On these dates, prominent local men visit their female counterparts and vice versa.

One of the defining features of this celebration are the dolls made in the image of well-known public personalities, important workplace figures, and even regional authorities. Some place a humorous emphasis on their subject’s most notable traits, while others carry a powerful symbolic message for society. Whatever the case, these dolls always represent something.

These dolls are generally made from recycled materials such as cardboard, bottles, discarded clothing articles and shoes, plastic, etc. Once they are ready, they are hung from high places as soon as Wednesday ends, the better for all to view them.

Cusco Carnival Main Celebration
The most important day of Carnival is held on Sunday. At this point, everything grows more intense, from the music to the colors, with water, talc, mixtures of the two, and even paint flying everywhere. The winning dolls from the compadre and comadre competitions are paraded through the streets. And of course, you cannot miss the dances performed by numerous public and private organizations.

Traditional Foods at Cusco’s Carnival
With all these lively activities, celebrants’ bellies are sure to require a good meal. Luckily, Carnival comes with its own culinary fair featuring three traditional dishes from Cusco:

• Kapchi: Also spelled capchi, is a dish made with fresh broad beans, seasoned potatoes, milk, and cheese or mushrooms. It is usually accompanied by a stuffed rocoto chili pepper and a bit of rice.
• Timpu: Also known as puchero cusqueño, consists of a mouthwatering variety of stewed meats served with potatoes, chickpeas, rice, whole cabbage leaves, sweet potatoes, peaches, yucca, pears, and a local tuber called moraya. There are two different presentations which can be served on separate plates or together in combination.
• Frutillada: To complement our meal (and quench our thirst) we have the famous frutillada, an iconic drink from the Sacred Valley of the Incas. This beverage is prepared with chicha de jora mixed with boiled strawberries (with lemon verbena and cinnamon). The key step in making frutillada is to leave the chicha to ferment for eight days. By the time Carnival rolls around, it will be ready to drink.
• Chicha de jora: Chicha de jora is a drink made from fermented purple maize. While it is often used as the main ingredient in more elaborate beverages, it is also popular all on its own.

Octava or Kacharpari
Octava or Kacharpari, is celebrated one week after the main event to cap off Carnival festivities for the year. On this date, we can catch a glimpse of the famous yunza or cortamonte, where people get together to dance around an artificial tree that has been adorned with gifts. During this event, participants move in a circle around the tree, using a machete or ax to strike blows until they overthrow it. After the tree falls, you have better be quick and crafty if you want to grab one of the gifts. As a curiosity, this tradition can be found in various celebrations in different regions of Peru that happen to overlap with Carnival season (February and March).

Kacharpari always marks the end of festivities and Cusco Carnival is no exception, where it wraps up one of Peru’s most important celebrations.

Carnivals in Cusco’s Provinces
The city of Cusco isn’t the only place where Carnival is celebrated; these unforgettable festivities can be found in the different provinces throughout the department, as well. To name just a few, we have:

• The Sacred Valley of the Incas: Calca, Urubamba, Qoya, Pisac, Lamay, Yanahuara, etc.
• South Valley: Canchis, Oropesa, and San Jerónimo.
  While these events share many features, each community has its own traditions. For example, women take charge of Carnival in the District of Tinta. Towns such as Calca and Mollepata celebrate a yunza for singles and married couples, very similar to the traditional yunza, where participants take part in chopping down the tree to the beat of traditional songs such as huaynos.

Thinking of visiting Cusco during Carnival season? Then be sure not to miss the view from the PeruRail Vistadome train, which offers exceptional comfort and an unrivaled experience on your journey to Machu Picchu. Get your tickets here.

There is no better way to start off your February than by reveling in Cusco’s incredible Carnival!

Photo 1: Holy Tabernacle in procession for Corpus Christi

History of Corpus Christi
During the time of the Incas, there were many fiestas dedicated to their ancestors and the gods. Among these were the Taita Inti, the goddess Killa, Kuychi, etc., which were very significant to them. Of course, the most important feast of all was the fiesta in honor of the Inti (the Sun) and in ancient times they would carry the mummies of their former rulers in a procession before the big celebration.

The Spaniards were amazed at what they saw and took advantage of the festivity in their process to “evangelize” the people to Christianity. And so, in 1572, they decided to replace the procession of mummies with a procession of the 15 saints and virgins that to this day is known as the Cusquenian Corpus Christi.

When is Corpus Christi held?
Following the church calendar, Corpus Christi is held nine weeks after Maundy Thursday (Holy or Easter Week). This year, in 2022, the festivities will be held on June 16.

Photo 2: Ukuku dancer in Corpus Christi procession

How is Corpus Christi celebrated?
Preparing for the feast of Corpus Christi

We mentioned that this was a very important festivity and so, quite naturally, the organization prior to the feast day is equally important. The hosts, also known as the carguyoq, are in charge of offering the food, beverages and a band of musicians to accompany the followers when the saints are brought out in procession.

Cusqueño food is certainly a highlight, especially in these festivities. The Chiri Uchu is an iconic dish during Corpus Christi and you won’t want to miss it for the world.

Entry of the saints

On the eve of the eucharist celebration of Corpus Christi, the effigy of each of the saints leaves their church or temple, accompanied faithfully by their followers with dances and music typical of each region. One would think they were all close to the main venue of the event, but many come from as far as 10 kilometers away from the main plaza.

The destination of all the saints is the Arco de Santa Clara (St. Claire’s Arch) and then to the church of San Pedro, where you can see the symbolic handing over of the keys to the cathedral by Saint Peter to Saint Anthony. When all the saints are gathered, the procession then continues towards the entry of the cathedral, in which they will spend a whole week until the Octava, the eighth week after Easter.

Photo 3: Procession of various Saints through Corpus Christi

Which are the saints that participate?

1. San Antonio from the San Cristóbal Parish
2. San Jerónimo from the District Parish of San Jerónimo
3. San Cristóbal from the Parish of San Cristóbal
4. San Sebastián from the District Parish of San Sebastián
5. Santa Bárbara from the District Parish of Poroy
6. Santa Ana from the Parish of Santa Ana
7. Santiago Apóstol from the Parish of Santiago
8. San Blas from the Parish of San Blas
9. San Pedro from the Parish of San Pedro
10. San José from the Parish of Belén
11. Virgen de la Natividad (Our Lady of the Nativity) from the Parish of Almudena
12. Virgen de los Remedios (Our Lady of Remedies) from the Church of Santa Catalina
13. Virgen Purificada (Holy Virgin) from the Parish of San Pedro
14. Virgen de Belén (Our Lady of Bethlehem) from the Parish of Belén
15. Virgen de la Inmaculada Concepción (Our Lady of Immaculate Conception) also known as “La Linda” from the Basilica of the Catedral

The Main Feast of Corpus Christi
The celebration of Corpus Christi itself is understood to mean the celebration of the body of Christ at the Eucharist and fidelity to that devotion, and the main event is the mass —which is held in Quechua — with the presence of all the saints.

The event that everyone waits for on that day is the procession of the 15 saints, which are carried to the beat of the festive traditions and the music of innumerable huaynos. The musical arrangements are personalized for the different saints by their followers.

The ceremony generally ends as night falls, when the last effigy has entered the cathedral and each congregation leaves to the rhythm of their dances and to drink until the following day.

Photo 4: Patron San Cristóbal in procession through Corpus Christi

The Octava of Corpus
The Octava is the date on which the procession of the 15 saints takes place around the main plaza in Cusco. The usual time for the events begin is after lunch, around two o’clock in the afternoon, and it ends close to seven o’clock at night.

Lowering the Saints
This usually starts on the day after the Octava and the ‘lowering’ actually means the return of the sacred images to their respective churches (or temples). However, some of the protocols differ, as is the case with Our Lady of Bethlehem.

Words are not enough to describe the fervor and excitement that this fiesta offers. If you have the opportunity to travel to Cusco for these events, don’t think twice and do it. If it was already in your plans and you have the time available, how about a visit to the Citadel of Machu Picchu? The PeruRail Vistadome train has every comfort to make your trip the best experience of all. Buy your tickets here!

What mportant festivities are celebrated in the Sacred Valley?
There are close to 15 important festivities held in Urubamba during the year. The following are the most attractive to visitors interested in the Sacred Valley.

Easter Week in Calca

Celebrated on March 29

Location: Province of Calca

Follow the Señor de los Temblores (Lord of Earthquakes) from the Apostol Church during the religious events celebrated during Easter Week. Beginning on Holy Monday, the faithful and public in general come together to process through the streets of the city of Calca.

Torrechayoc Festival

Celebrated for close to a month starting on May 31

Location: Province of Urubamba

This is one of the greatest religious festivities celebrated in Urubamba, dedicated to venerating the Crucified Christ on a huge cross. It is celebrated with mass, firework displays, dances, devotional praying, bullfights and much more. Although the celebrations last throughout the month, the main date is June 9.

Pisac’s Virgin of Carmen Festivity

Celebrated on July 15 to 18

Location: Town of Pisac

Legend has it that, at the end of the 19th century, two images of the Virgin of Carmen appeared in a private hacienda very close to the town of Pisac. They are considered twins and both are taken separately to the Main Square to the beat of troupes of masked dancers and their musical groups, in addition to their sponsors and town authorities. The celebration continues when both virgins meet and walk through the main streets of the town; once the night arrives, the dancers and musical groups establish themselves in certain spaces to continue with the party.

Feast of the Assumed Virgin in Qoya
Celebrated on August 14 to 17

Location: District of Qoya, province of Calca

The story goes back to 1951, when the Virgin of Qoya had her head and hands stolen. Some time passed before a villager recognized these stolen parts in the image of a neighboring town and they were returned after a judicial process. Today, 3 images of the “Mamacha Asunta” (as her faithful affectionately refer to her) are venerated: one restored after the robbery, the one that was rebuilt with the recovered parts and one that was donated in 1960. 4 days are dedicated to her, being the 15th its central day, in which 27 troupes of different dances can be found in Qoya participate.

Anniversary of the Coat of Arms of the Distinguished City of Urubamba

Celebrated on November 8 and 9

Location: Province of Urubamba

The small town of Villa of Urubamba was baptized as the Distinguished City of Urubamba in 1839, and since then the anniversary is celebrated with a great event organized by the provincial municipality in which several organizations and authorities participate (Calca, Chinchero, Maras, etc.). A Te Deum or thanksgiving mass is held early in the morning and the day unfolds with parades, dances and a festive atmosphere that will enchant you.

In Urubamba you never have to wait long to enjoy a fiesta, which makes it a perfect destination for travelers who have no fixed vacation date. We would also like to remind you that there are many more local activities that may attract your interest. For example, there is the Festivity of the Señor de Choquekillka, the Wata Qallariy Raymi Festivity, Pisac Willka Raymi, and the Festivity of the Adoration of the Magi or the Three Kings, and others.

Now that you know Urubamba’s attractions, wouldn’t you like to travel by train? The PeruRail Vistadome train offers you comfort and the best of experiences. And also, if it was already in your plans, you can connect your trip to Machu Picchu. Get your tickets here!

Most of these dances are performed during patron saint festivities, carnival, and religious festivities, exhibiting the great vitality of Cusco’s culture. The following are the five dances most frequently performed at festivities in Cusco:

Qhapaq Negro
Qapac Negro, which in Quechua means “rich black man”, is a collective mestizo dance created in the early days of the republic. Its characters represent the black slave and the slavery that existed during the Colonial period, with lyrics about their suffering sung to the Virgin and their devotion to her.

History of the Qhapaq Negro Dance
It is said that black slaves were brought in ancient times from the coast and from Bolivia, to work in the gold and silver mines in Paucartambo, and some brought with them their tradition of worshipping the Virgen del Carmen from Lima.

Characters in the Qhapaq Negro Dance
The dance is made up of a black king, a couple of children and two parallel rows of black soldiers headed by their respective captains. The dance is divided among the dancers, who recite their lyrics and the instrumental group to play the music (harp, quena, violin, accordion, and drums).

Contredanse
The contredanse is a dance about farmlands in which the leader of the troupe introduces the other dancers to the tasks in the field. However, this dance is also seen as a parody of the ballroom dances held by the Spanish elite during the colonial days, and this makes sense considering its name of “contredanse.”

History of the Contredanse
The Contredanse has a history full of triumphs and surprises, having won prizes such as the Department Folklore Dances contest in 1968 and the Inti Raymi Festival in 1991. Its troupe was also the first to be granted its own place in the town and the first to be incorporated, becoming a legal entity registered with the National Institute of Culture (1989).

Characters of the Contredanse
The characters in the Contredanse include the machu (leader), dancers who wear masks made of wire mesh, and a musical group of violins, accordions, quenas and a drums.

Wallata
The Wallata dance represents the courtship of the wallata (male) birds and the wachacha (female) birds by imitating their movements in a choreography. Dancers take their inspiration from the birds’ cries, movements, behavior, coupling, and the dominance of the male. The female dancers perform elegant movements to represent flirtation.

History of the Wallata Dance
The origin of the dance is intimately linked to the farmer in the fields, related to the surrounding nature and wildlife that includes the wallatas, web-footed birds that live in the wetlands and totora reed beds close to these communities.

Characters in the Wallata dance
The male and female dancers represent the courting of the Wallata bird. Men dress in short pants, white shirts, with a short red poncho, a chullo, an ojota sandals and a round hat. Women dress in a wide black skirt with a red border, a short skirt or ikhuna on top, a red jacket, a round hat, an ojota sandals and a shawl or lliclla.

Cholo Qorilazo
The Cholo Qorilazo dance represents the joy of the villagers in the high Andean areas of the Cusco region, in the Province of Chumbivilcas where this beautiful dance was created. It also symbolizes the happiness that the cholo qorilazo feels at having his woman by his side, accompanying him and his faithful horse.

History of the Cholo Qorilazo dance
The word Qorilazo is a fusion of Qori, which means gold or golden in Quechua, and of lazo, which is the Spanish word for lasso. Thus, the dance is about the cholo (or Andean man) with the golden lasso, referring to the local villagers and their tasks or hobbies.

Characters in the Cholo Qorilazo dance
The dance is performed by men and women accompanied by string instruments such as the guitar, the charango, and the mandolin.

Carnaval Cusqueño
The Carnaval Cusqueño dance, a dance performed during the carnival festivities season, is one of the most popular dances in Cusco, with beautifully elegant steps and rhythm that represent young people in love.

The main attraction of the choreography is the tree-chopping sequence, also known as Q’ashwa or more commonly called Yunza, in which young single men dance around a tree festooned with gifts, colorful streamers, balloons, blankets, etc. The objective is to begin chopping the tree down little by little until it falls.

Characters of the Carnaval Cusqueño
As mentioned earlier, this dance is for groups of young men and women. Women’s costumes include brightly colored skirts, white blouses, tall white hats, plaited hair, and a white scarf. Men wear a white shirt, a white kerchief, a black hat, black pants and waistcoat, black shoes, and a white scarf. Both men and women are draped in streamers and have flour on their faces.

This list mentions only a few of the many dances that you can see during your visit to Cusco. Discover them on your travels to this wonderful city and while you are there, visit Machu Picchu aboard our PeruRail Vistadome train! Get your tickets here.

Be part of the festival
The joyful celebrations take place between July 24 and 31 in the districts of Lampa, Pomata, Jaillihuaya, Huancané and Taquile Island. These are differentiated by the festivities offered to San Santiago: Masses, processions, textile fairs, dances, music and even bullfights.

Lampa, a traditional celebration
The Patronal Feast of San Santiago in Lampa, district of Puno, begins on July 24, where the devotees dress the image of the saint, which has a real human size. On the central day, July 25, the devotees participate in the mass in the Santiago Apostle Temple. Then, the procession of the image begins and is accompanied by other 40 temple saints.

When finalizing, the contest of compound melodies begins.These songs were specially made for this festival with traditional instruments such as quenas, zampoñas and leather drums. At the same time, community participants demonstrate their skills and dexterity in the handling of horses, being qualified for it and for their original clothing. The competition takes place on the main entrance of the Lampa temple.

Moreover, during the 29th, 30th and 31st of July, the bullfighting evenings are held in the “Plaza de Toros Arenas” of the Lampa river. These are accompanied by bands of various celebrations.

Taquile Island, a festivity full of folklore
Dressed in brightly colored costumes, the Taquile people perform various local dances, such as the Sicuris, the Candelaria, the Cinta K’ana and the Taquile Carnival, with the accompaniment of zampoñas (Andean flute), traditional pinquillo flutes and many drums. The festivities are finally finished with an offering to Mother Earth “La Pachamama”, a revealing detail that shows how the islanders have mixed the Christian and Andean beliefs, creating their own unique culture.

The celebration is accompanied by a craft fair in which they exhibit ceramics and alpaca looms made by the community. Also, the residents of Taquile show the elaboration process of their beautiful garments, do not miss this captivating experience!

Enjoy the month of July and let yourself be amazed by the wonderful culture of Puno. It’s a magical experience!

The rebirth of an ancestral tradition
Pachacútec, who was in charge of ordering the construction of Machu Picchu, established this celebration around 1430. Despite being banned by Viceroy Francisco de Toledo with the arrival of the Spaniards, in 1944 Faustino Espinoza Navarro, through the story of the Inca Garcilaso de la Vega, was in charge of writing, directing and representing the reconstruction of the Inti Raymi celebration.

Now, to commemorate this holiday, hundreds of actors using typical Inca clothing, get together in the ceremonial fortress of Sacsayhuamán to recreate what was initially the summoning of the sun by the Inca.

The celebration begins at the Coricancha Temple (today Santo Domingo Convent) with the sun salutation. After this, the Inca and the mayor of Cusco meet in Haucaypata to finally carry out the central ceremony in the north of the city on the esplanade of Sacsayhuamán at more than 3600 meters above sea level.

The Inti Raymi, known as one of the great traditions of the Inca Culture, gives tourists every June the 24th the possibility of enjoying songs, characters with typical clothes and native music.

If you plan to make your first trip to the citadel of Machu Picchu, travel on board our PeruRail Vistadome train where you will begin to experience the Andean culture through music and dancing, departing from the Urubamba station, located in the heart of the Sacred Valley and do not miss the opportunity to witness an ancestral celebration in Cusco with PeruRail

Do not forget:

Sunscreen to protect from the sun’s rays.
Wear comfortable clothes for greater mobility.
Bring drinks and fruits to keep the body hydrated and energized.
Buy tickets to enjoy this unforgettable celebration.
Mosquito repellent.

Pachamama Raymi: payment feast to the land

Pachamama Raymi means in English “Feast of Mother Earth” and is celebrated every year during the first week of August. In it, the people of Cusco pay tribute to Mother Earth in gratitude for the good harvests of the year, which are the main livelihood of the families.

The festival begins on August 1. On this day, the peasants do not work the land to let it rest. This is how the ritual of payment begins. In this ceremony called “haywasqa” (payment to the land), which is headed by an Andean priest known as “Pako”, foods worked and produced by Mother Earth, such as huayruro seeds, coca leaves, chicha de jora and other drinks (drinks that you will also find on our Belmond Hiram Bingham train), are used. As a sign of respect, all the provisions and offerings must be cooked and then be put in a hole previously dug in such a way that the Pachamama is fed.

Inca ritual to show gratitude to the Pachamama

Inti Raymi: The Sun Festival

This is one of the most important festivities in Cusco and every year it brings together thousands of people from all over the world for its celebration. The Inti Raymi or Sun Festival celebrates the winter solstice every June the 24th. In this festival, the Inca is in charge of performing a ritual to honor the most important divinity of the Tahuantinsuyo: the Sun.

The ceremony begins in the Coricancha Temple (today is the Santo Domingo Convent) with the salute to the Sun. After this, the Inca and the mayor of Cusco meet in Huacaypata and finally carry out the central ceremony in the north of the city in the esplanade of the Sacsayhuamán fortress at more than 3,600 meters above sea level.

Nowadays, hundreds of actors with typical Inca clothing meet in this archaeological complex and perform a representation of what was the summoning of the Sun by the Inca.

It is the perfect panorama before boarding the PeruRail Vistadome,  a culture train experience  on the way to Machu Picchu!

Inti Raymi celebration, Cusco – Peru.

Qoyllur Riti

The Qoyllur Riti or “Snow Star” (for its Quechua meaning) is a religious festival celebrated in Cusco a few days before Corpus Christi and 58 days after Easter.

This festival fuses aspects of the Andean cultures of pre-Columbian times with the religion implanted by the Spaniards after their arrival. Although Christ is used as an image for this festival, what is venerated is the fertility of the land, the worship of the apus (mountains) and the relationship between man and nature.

For this celebration, faithful and delegations of dancers from various places in Cusco meet in Mahuayani and make a pilgrimage of 8.5 km through the Sinakara Valley until they reach the Sanctuary of the Lord of Qoyllur Riti.

Celebration of the Qoyllur Riti, Cusco

Andean New Year

Every June 21 and coinciding with the winter solstice in the southern hemisphere, the Andean New Year celebration takes place. In Andean cultures, this moment is known as the beginning of a new stage for nature as it is now ready to sowing and with it a new moment in people’s lives.

Every year, the authorities and communities get together to carry out and celebrate rituals and cultural activities, being the offering to the Sun the most prominent. This activity takes place early in the morning while waiting for the sun’s first rays to show gratitude for the land’s fertility and ask for a good year.

Finally, a massive breakfast is held with Andean products such as potatoes, chuño, broad beans and quinoa so that each of the families does not suffer from lack of food in the new year.

Be part of the most important rituals of the Inca Culture in Cusco and Puno traveling on the luxury PeruRail Titicaca Train!

The first rays of the sun in the Andean New Year, Puno

Kasarakuy: marriage in the Andes

Kasarakuy comes from Quechua and means “marry”. This festival in which Peruvian couples get married in the same way as their parents and ancestors did, takes place only in August, coinciding with great festivities such as the aforementioned Pachamama Raymi.

One of the peculiarities of this celebration is that the entire community participates in the formal union while dancing to the beat of huaynos and wearing typical clothing from Andean cultures. The organization of the celebration is in the hands of the couples’ families and the godparents, who are in charge of preparing the food, decorations and drinks in their respective homes.

Kasarakuy ceremony, Cusco

Live the celebration of Kasarakuy in the month of spirituality in Cusco!

There are plenty of reasons to visit Machu Picchu with PeruRail and also celebrations to have a unique experience on the way to the Inca Citadel. Learn more about the Inca Culture onboard our PeruRail Vistadome train. Check the train schedules to Machu Picchu!

The Virgin of Carmen or Mamacha Carmen, fondly called in Paucartambo, is celebrated in many cities of Peru, Latin America and Spain. Undoubtedly, the celebration in this picturesque province of Cusco is an experience that you can not miss.

Let’s beggin the celebration!

The Feast of the Virgin of Carmen begins on July 15 and ends on July 19. The participants celebrate the beginning with the explosion of a rocket, the same one that is answered by the ringing of the bells and by the interpretation of musical bands. Moments later, the procession begins in which the dancers will take center stage, each with their musical ensemble and the “Wax Apaycuy” or “Transfer of Waxes” in which flowers are taken to offer them as a gift to the Virgin of Carmen and decorate with them the altar and walk of the image.

Altar of the Virgin of Carmen

The night is opportune to start the “qonoy” or bonfire, where musicians and dancers of the troupes of the Q’olqas, the Chunchus and the Maqtas, start their games jumping over the bonfires, playing and dancing with the people. In the center of the square a fireworks castle is built and it is where both ceremonies are mixed to form an unforgettable act.

At ten o’clock in the evening, the Prioste together with his band of musicians and troupes give a serenade to the Virgin of Carmen, who is followed by a group of dancers who present their choreography in the atrium of the church , but without disguises, showing themselves as they are.

The central day

The central day of the Feast of the Virgin of Carmen begins with an aurora mass, celebrated at the break of day, and is followed by the expected mass of the festival where beautiful songs of the comparsas: the Qollas and the black Qhapac stand out. After this ceremony, the groups of dancers begin to dance on streets, then the whole town gathers in it, where from the balcony of the municipal library they drop fruits and small objects of local crafts. The month of July is the time after the harvests and before the first sowing, so this tradition is possible on this date since it alludes to a favorable harvest.

Dancer of the “contradanza” at the feast of the Virgin of Carmen

The most important tradition of the day is the great procession of the Virgin of Carmen which starts at 3:00 p.m. On the roofs and balconies, the Saqras, who represent the devil, wait for the “mamacha” to tempt her as well as her faithful devotees, doing acrobatics on the roofs and poles of the plaza. A peculiar dance full of mischief, agility and mischief, would you miss it?

Traditions, stories and 18 different groups of dancers who dance in honor of the Virgen del Carmen in Paucartambo, identify the celebrations these 4 days. You don’t know how to get there? Do not worry!

How to get there

The beautiful province of Paucartambo is 109 km away from the city of Cusco, it is a journey of approximately four hours and costs around 20 soles.

• At the Cusco airport you can ask for a taxi to go to the “Diagonal” bus stop, which is where the buses leave for Paucartambo.
• In Paucartambo, you will not need a taxi, the distance from the bus terminal to the town is 5-10 minutes walking.

What to take

• Sunblock
• Lipbalm
• Sunglasses
• Warm clothing

Do you have everything ready? Do not miss wonderful costumes, exotic processions, hypnotic dances, and a fascinating syncretism that mixes Inca, Spanish and Catholic traditions, will take you to another dimension!

The so-called “Velación de la Cruz” (Vigil of the Cross) begins on May 2nd (on the eve of the main day) by carrying crosses from peaks, hills, and shrines. On May 3rd, the main day, thousands of parishioners who visit the city, worship the cross and pray in the vigils during the whole day. The festivity is also enlivened with typical music such as sacra or huaynos. Bands of musicians are hired and it finishes with impressive fireworks.

Origin of Cruz Velacuy  

The origin of this important tradition in Cusco goes back to the first decades of the XVIII century when it was celebrated in private and only with family. After the Spanish conquest, the crosses were considered as elements of struggle and intense ideological conflict, being one of the first Catholic elements ever used in the Tahuantinsuyo.

Since then, the festivity of Cruz Velacuy has been evolving over the years. A breakpoint was the earthquake that struck Cusco in 1950. After such event, the devotion for this celebration increased, adding a greater amount of crosses in various places of worship and sanctuaries.

Tradition

For this religious festivity, neighbors of each community or neighborhood organize themselves six months in advance to choose a “carguyoc” or butler, who will be in charge of organizing and bearing the highest expenses of the next Cruz Velacuy. Generally, the carguyoc is a person with sufficient economic resources to make such investment and must be also the owner of a house where an altar for a cross will be erected.

As a tradition, the butler hires a band of musicians and offers special bread during the j’urkar, an event where families, friends, and other wealthy people are asked for donations. Upon accepting the donation, they drink beer and dance inside their houses. In this way, everything is set for the main day, where the devotees carry crosses in a procession to the temples, and the central mass and beginning of activities are held.

Celebration

On the main day (May 3rd) the central mass is held, where the devotees carry the cross in a procession accompanied by local bands. After the mass finishes, the cross returns to the butler’s house and it is placed on an altar built especially for veneration.

At midday, the butler offers a lunch, and, in the afternoon, he offers a party with lots of drink and music. The next day (May 4th) is the “kacharpari” or “farewell party”, where the cross is moved to its place of origin, saying goodbye to this festivity until next year.

Cusco has a festival declared Cultural Patrimony of the Nation and it is due to its impressive convocation, as much of travelers as of the locals. The feast of San Sebastián, takes place in the district with its same name and is celebrated every January 20th of each year, representing religious faith and devotion with an Andean and European blend.

Who was San Sebastian?

The Feast of San Sebastián in Cusco, is linked to the life of a French military man, son of rich parents. The story tells that Sebastián (nowadays a saint) was cruelly beaten for claiming to be a Christian. The Emperor Maximilian felt that he lacked respect and decided to condemn him to die with arrows. His friends saw him lying on the floor still alive, they took him to the home of a Christian woman who cured him and kept him hidden for a while.

After his long recovery, Sebastián went to reproach the emperor for his persecution against the Christians. Maximiliano, when challenged, sends him to flog for a second time, Sebastián did not resist in this opportunity. His body was thrown and abandoned in a place full of mud. A group of Christians decided to rescue the body and buried it in the Via Apia, a catacomb that carries to this day the name of San Sebastián.

Why is The Fest of San Sebastian celebrated in Cusco?

This festivity is very representative in Cusco, especially in the district of San Sebastián. The image arrived in Cusco approximately in 17th century. After the conquest, it quickly became the patron of the Cusco people, who built the first chapel in 1664.

Legend has it that the people were invaded by the plague, the main reason for the devotees of San Sebastián to come to his temple with prayers, then a miracle occurred and all the plague of the city disappeared, after this response the settlers began To offer him gifts and offerings.

The Feast of San Sebastian

The party starts with a very early mass. National and international tourists must be awake from before 6:00 a.m. to not miss any detail of this religious tradition. Then, a procession takes place with the San Sebastián platform, which is strolled through the streets of Cusco, while its most faithful devotees carry it on their shoulders and walk barefoot for long minutes. The platform is very heavy so it takes about 60 men to carry it.

The rhythm is not alien to this festival; dance groups go along with this procession, performing dances such as: contradanza, coyacha, mistiza coyacha, chunchachas, saqra, among others.

Vespers

On January 19th is The Feast of San Sebastián’s Eve, where the people are in charge of organizing everything, district authorities are present. First the so-called “triumphal entry” is given, while the dancers enter with the guild and the majordomos with gifts blessed by the priest of the chapel.

La octava

La octava is the farewell party given to San Sebastián, which takes place eight days after its central day. Those in charge of performing this incomparable party are the majordomos, who invite collaborators and devotees of the patron saint.

Every Cusco history is incredible thanks to its customs and cultures inherited through time. Discover more of Cusco and its festivities, its people are waiting all travelers with open arms to share their traditions.

Come to San Sebastián and enjoy this great celebration with the people of Cusco!