Learn About Peru » Peruvian Holidays and Festivals

Inti Raymi Festival

admin — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 14:16:11 +0000

The Inti Raymi festival, or celebration of the sun, starts today in Cusco. It will continue through tomorrow. Although there are many festivals throughout the year in Peru, Inti Raymi is known as one of the most elaborate, and also as one of the oldest. The tradition was started by the Incas, and continues as a lasting historical ceremony. The most recent interpretation of the ceremony started in 1944, and is celebrated near the ruins of Sacsaywaman. Colorful costumes and traditional dances make this festival an impressive sight to see.

Celebrating the New Year in Peru

admin — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 17:53:54 +0000

One of the biggest traditions Peruvians take part in while welcoming each new year has to do with the color of their underwear. That’s right – Peruvians wear yellow underwear for good luck in the coming year. Street vendors in Peru sell yellow underwear, garland, festive glasses, and many other yellow accessories at this time of year. Some also believe that if you want to find love that year, you should wear red underwear instead of yellow. If you’re hoping to get married, you should throw rice under your front door after midnight. They also say that if you want to travel in the coming year, you should run around the block with an empty suitcase at midnight. These traditions make New Year’s Eve a fun time of year in Peru. So ring in 2010 with some yellow underwear, and you are sure to have a great year!

A Peruvian Christmas Celebration

admin — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 14:34:38 +0000

In Peru, families gather together to celebrate on Christmas Eve. Parties can last all night, with dancing, eating and drinking. Traditional treats like Panettone, a sweet bread with pieces of candied fruit, are an important part of the holiday feast along with hot chocolate. A turkey is also usually served as part of the celebration. Christmas Day is a time to relax after the previous night’s festivities. If you ever travel to Peru during Christmas, you can experience this traditional Christmas Eve celebration.