10 traditions and festivities of Cusco

The region of Cusco, cradle of the Inca civilization, preserves a rich cultural heritage manifested through festivities, rituals, and practices that have endured over time. Below, we explore ten cultural manifestations that reflect the unique identity of this region.

1. Celebration of Inti Raymi

Internationally recognized as one of Cusco’s most emblematic ceremonies, this festivity honors the Sun god (Inti) and expresses gratitude for abundant harvests. During the colonial era, this religious practice was suppressed by the Spanish authorities.

In 1944, the people of Cusco revived this tradition as a tribute to their Inca legacy, transforming it into a grand scenic representation that evokes the ancient ceremonies.

Currently, this celebration attracts both local residents and international tourists due to its diversity of activities and ceremonies of great cultural value. The main performance of this ancestral tradition transports spectators to the era of the Inca empire and takes place at the Sacsayhuamán archaeological complex.

2. Carnival Festivities

During Sundays in February, Cusco communities celebrate Carnivals, festive expressions characteristic of the Andean region.

These events include dance performances with elaborate choreographies that add vitality to the celebration. A highlighted activity is the traditional “yunza,” where groups of friends and family decorate a tree with gifts and festive elements to dance in a circle around it until it is felled. Recreational water dynamics are also popular, involving both residents and visitors.

3. Creation of Artistic Altars

This practice enjoys great popularity during traditional celebrations such as Corpus Christi or Cruz Velacuy. These artistic creations, known as retablos, are made with great dedication and skill by specialized artisans.

4. Ceremony of the Q’eswachaka Bridge

Annually, between June 7th and 10th, the ceremony dedicated to the Q’eswachaka bridge is held, honoring the last remaining Inca suspension bridge in the world. This suspension bridge, over 600 years old, represents a testament to advanced Inca engineering and holds sacred significance for the inhabitants of Canas province.

To preserve this historical legacy, various rural communities gather each year to rebuild the bridge. Numerous visitors attend to witness this ceremony, which constitutes a fascinating demonstration of architectural knowledge and cultural values.

5. Tradition of the Twelve Dishes During Holy Week

To commemorate this important date in the Christian calendar (Semana Santa or Holy Week), Cusco families prepare twelve culinary specialties, both savory and sweet, to share in a family gathering. Among the delicacies presented on this occasion are pumpkin stew, fried fish, Kapchi de habas (bean stew), K’irku, sopa de viernes (Friday soup), among other specialties.

Several desserts complement the feast, such as mazamorra de chancaca (molasses pudding), arroz con leche (rice pudding), and preparations with peaches and apples.

6. Ritual of Gratitude to the Pachamama

The purpose of this ceremony is to honor Mother Earth (Pachamama), performing acts of purification and spiritual cleansing. This event usually coincides with the start of the agricultural cycle.

The ritual of gratitude to the Pachamama represents one of the few Cusco practices that have survived the passage of time, where numerous inhabitants from the high Andean areas of our territory perform various ceremonies of gratitude towards the earth for its abundant gifts.

7. Celebration in Honor of the Virgen del Carmen in Paucartambo

This festivity takes place between July 15th and 18th in the town of Paucartambo, distinguished by its traditional adobe and tile architecture. This celebration shows cultural syncretism in Cusco, integrating Christian elements from the colonial era with picturesque characters like “diablillos” (little devils) and historical figures.

During the event, you can appreciate dances representing the Andean worldview and melodies performed in the Quechua language.

8. Santurantikuy Christmas Market

The Santurantikuy is a cultural manifestation from Cusco that precedes the Christian Christmas celebration, characterized by the sale of religious images, saints, virgins, and other representations of the Christian faith.

The Plaza de Armas transforms into a large market where vendors of these religious pieces are abundant. It is also common to find candles, incense, floral arrangements, and various ceremonial articles. In the evening, Cusco households gather to enjoy Christmas dinner. This event takes place every December 24th.

9. Festivity of Compadres and Comadres

The celebration begins with “Jueves de compadres” (Thursday of Compadres) during February. In each neighborhood or community, a cloth doll representing a known male character humorously is installed on a post.

The following week, it is the turn of the replica for the women, using female clothing like skirts, “polleras” (layered skirts), and bras to create a female figure that, like the compadres doll, presents exaggerated physical characteristics.

10. Kasarakuy Ceremony

This represents a symbolic ceremony dedicated to love that is held during August, where couples who wish to renew their marital commitments are celebrated.

On this occasion, the husband must wear a specially decorated chullo (Andean hat) and poncho, while the wife wears a traditional white dress. The preparations and expenses for the celebration are shared between both families.