Festivals and customs in Cusco: Celebration of saints!

Cusco, a city full of culture and tradition, is famous for its festivals and customs that are celebrated throughout the year. These events are an opportunity to witness the rich history and culture of this region of Peru. Here are 10 festivals and customs in Cusco that you can’t miss:

• Inti Raymi: The festival of the sun is Cusco’s largest and most famous festival, which is celebrated every year on June 24. This festival is an Inca ceremony that honors the sun, and is an opportunity to witness an impressive spectacle of music, dance and traditional costumes.
  
• Qoyllur Rit’i: This festival is held in the Ausangate mountain range every May and is a celebration of the Catholic religion and Andean culture. Pilgrims hike up the mountain to see the appearance of an image of the Lord of Qoyllur Rit’i.
  
• Fiesta de la Candelaria: The Candelaria festival is held in February and is a celebration of the mix of indigenous and Spanish cultures in Cusco. The festival includes traditional dances and music, as well as a procession in which participants carry candles.
  
• Corpus Christi: This festivity is celebrated in June and is a celebration of the Catholic church that has roots in Inca times. The festivity includes a procession with an image of Christ that is carried through the streets of Cusco.
  
• Dance of the Scissors: This folkloric dance is presented in different festivities in Cusco and throughout Peru. It is a competitive dance between two dancers who use scissors to create a rhythmic sound while performing acrobatics.
  
• Ch’unchu: This folkloric dance originates from the Cusco region and is part of the carnival celebration. Dancers wear masks and colorful costumes while performing acrobatic movements.
  
• Potato Festival: This festival is held in February and is a celebration of the potato, a fundamental food in the diet of Cusco’s inhabitants. The festival includes music, dancing and tastings of different varieties of potatoes.
  
• San Sebastian Festival: This festival is held in January and is a celebration of San Sebastian, the patron saint of Cusco. The festivity includes music, dance and a procession through the streets of the city.
  
• Fiesta de la Mamacha Carmen: This festivity is held in July and is a celebration of the Virgen del Carmen, patron saint of the Peruvian Armed Forces. The festivity includes a procession with the image of the virgin and traditional music.
  
• Feria del Señor de los Temblores: This fair is held in September and is a celebration of the Señor de los Temblores, an image of Jesus Christ that is said to protect the city from earthquakes.