Bolivians enjoy a plethora of religious and cultural festivals throughout the year, so no matter what month you plan on visiting the country, you are sure to find some exciting activities. For those of you who are traveling in September, here is our roundup of the country’s festivals: …
This August 15th will mark the 476th founding anniversary of Arequipa, the second largest city in Peru and a popular destination for travelers wishing to the world’s two deepest canyons, which are located nearby. 20,000 people are expected to visit the city during the month’s celebrations.
A full roster of activities has been planned so that locals and tourists alike can mark the occasion all month long. Just a few days ago, there was a Chicha Fair in the city’s main square, accompanied by a marching band parade, and a few days before that the cathedral bells signaled the start of a military parade.
The larger events are still yet to come, however, and as usual we’ve got all of the details for you:
During the time of the Inca Empire, Inti Raymi was one of the year’s biggest celebrations, and it continues being so today. Set in place by Pachakutec Inka Yupanki, Inti Raymi marked the winter solstice with a series of rituals and general festivities. Although banned by the Spanish after the conquest, it was revived in 1944, following a script based on the chronicles of Inca Garcilaso, which were written shortly after the conquest. …
Up to the time of the Spanish Conquest, the people of Cusco venerated mallquis, the mummies of former leaders, adorning them with care and carrying them through the streets atop heavy litters on sacred days. Although the appalled Spanish banned this custom, it was retained through a simple solution: rather than abandoning the practice completely, the mummies were replaced with statues of saints and the Virgin Mary, giving birth of the modern Corpus Christi festival in Cusco. Thus, the colorful Corpus Christi celebrations of Cusco are as Andean as they are Catholic. …
Throughout the month, the city will be decorated with the rainbow flag of Cusco and folkloric dance parades will take place daily between the 10th and 20th of June. We’ll be publishing the day-to-day program next week, but did want to share the highlights right away. From the Inti Raymi Festival to the Night of Light & Sound, these are the biggest events for Cusco’s Jubilee month, celebrated this year from May 29th through July 03rd:
