Festival Guide to visit Cusco in June 2024

Welcome to the jubilee month of Cusco! In June, this ancestral land is filled with joy, dance, color and music to honor its traditions, cultural roots and rich history. In this blog, we invite you to immerse yourself in the magic of the Cusco Festival and discover the most outstanding events that will transport you to a magical world full of history and spirituality.

JUNE 1: Offering to Pachamama

June 1 marks the official start of the Cusco 2023 Festivities with the traditional “Offering to Pachamama”. In this ceremony, authorities, citizens and visitors come together to pay tribute to Mother Earth, offering various products and expressing gratitude for the abundance and protection received. The ceremonial act is presided over by Andean priests, known as ” Yachayniyoq “, who prostrate themselves in front of the ” ushnu “, a ceremonial center located in the Plaza Mayor of Cusco. During this event, the main authorities thank Pachamama and ask for good wishes for the jubilee month of our land.

JUNE 3: Launch ceremony of the festivities of the Patron San Cristóbal 2023

On June 3, the traditional neighborhood of San Cristóbal celebrates the launching ceremony of the festivities in honor of its patron saint, San Cristóbal. This event officially marks the beginning of the celebrations and is highlighted by the presence of dances, songs, music and deep religious devotion. The ceremony will take place in the neighborhood square, formerly known as Qolqampata , and is distinguished by its rich traditional architecture.

JUNE 6: Pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of the Lord of Qoyllur Rit’i

The pilgrimage to the Lord of Qoyllur Rit’i takes place between May and June and is one of the largest indigenous festivals in America. Thousands of people gather in the Sinakara Valley to go to the Sanctuary of the Lord of Qoyllur Rit’i , a sacred place located in the snowy Ausangate, at an altitude of 4,700 meters above sea level. This region experiences temperatures that can reach -4°C and is located in the district of Ocongate, in the province of Quispicanchis.

JUNE 6: Grand parade “The meeting of the Worlds”

On Tuesday, June 6, get ready to witness an impressive spectacle at the Great Corsican “The Meeting of the Worlds”, where various artistic expressions merge. As part of the festivities, Cusco becomes a magical setting where the Transformers come to life. You will be able to admire the emblematic vehicles of this film saga as they cross the streets of the city. This show combines fantasy with Cusco tradition, offering a unique and surprising experience.

JUNE 7: Chiriuchu Gastronomic Festival

You cannot miss the opportunity to taste Chiriuchu , the emblematic dish of the Cusco Festival, which is offered in Plaza San Francisco starting at 9:00 a.m. This delicious dish has its roots in the times of the Incas and the colony. The name “chiri” refers to cold, and “uchu” to chili. Chiriuchu is made up of ingredients such as baked guinea pig, ch’arki , boiled chicken, accompanied by flour tower, toasted corn, cheese, blood sausage, cochayuyo, seaweed, chorizo and fish and rocoto egg cups. It is a true culinary delight that you cannot miss during the holidays.

JUNE 8: Traditional Cusco Corpus Christi Procession

Experience the tradition of Corpus Christi in Cusco with the impressive entrance of fifteen venerated saints and virgins. These religious icons arrive from different places and participate in several processions that culminate in the Cathedral of Cusco, where the sacrament of the Body of Christ is celebrated. The images of the patron saints are beautifully decorated with jewels, flowers and precious metals, wearing new outfits every year. Each saint is accompanied by his butlers, musicians and dancers, creating a spectacle full of religious fervor and devotion.

JUNE 8 and 11: Start of the annual renewal ritual, laying of the Q’eswachaka bridge and folklore festival

In the impressive landscape of the Apurimac River, at an altitude of 3,700 meters above sea level, is the historic Q’eswachaka bridge, a valuable Inca legacy that has endured for more than six centuries. During this annual event, community members gather to dismantle the bridge built the previous year, while women and children collect straw or “ichu” to make the bases of the new bridge. For four days, a ritual ceremony is carried out in which the bridge is woven again. The culmination of this process is celebrated with traditional food and dance, in a folk festival full of joy and tradition.

JUNE 10: Launch of the festival of the Virgin of Carmen de Paucartambo

The Plaza Mayor of Cusco is transformed to begin the festivity of the Virgin of Carmen de Paucartambo. Immerse yourself in a vibrant celebration with bright colors, fascinating dances, traditional music and artistic expressions. This event is celebrated every year on July 15, 16 and 17 in Paucartambo, highlighting dance troupes such as Capac Qolla , Capac Chunchu , Capac Negro, Contradanza, Chunchus , among others.

It is a unique opportunity to explore the cultural and traditional wealth of the region. Enjoy the splendor of the dances, the elaborate costumes and the contagious energy that fills the atmosphere. The festival of the Virgen del Carmen de Paucartambo is a memorable event that allows you to admire the diversity and beauty of Cusco artistic expressions. You can not lose this!

JUNE 10: Greeting from Peru to Qosqo in its day

In honor of Cusco, various artistic manifestations and dances come together in an emotional greeting that comes from all over the country. This special moment recognizes and celebrates the rich history and culture of Cusco. It is a significant tribute that highlights the importance of this region and its cultural legacy, uniting people in a gesture of respect and appreciation for their traditions.

09,12,13 and 14 JUNE: Parades of typical dances of Cusco

The educational institutions of Cusco, from the initial level to the higher level, come together in an emotional tribute to the imperial city through a parade of typical dances of the region in the Plaza Mayor of Cusco, starting at 9:00 am. This parade represents a display of admiration and cultural pride, where students show their talent and give life to the traditional rhythms of Cusco.

JUNE 15: Octave of the Cusco Corpus Christi Festival

The celebration of Corpus Christi extends during the octave, a period in which the images of the patron saints return in procession to their respective parishes. In addition, the Chiriuchu Gastronomic Festival is celebrated in Plaza San Francisco as part of the festivities. This event offers an extra opportunity to explore the cultural wealth of the city and enjoy its exquisite cuisine.

JUNE 17: Lights and Sound in the Plaza Mayor of Cusco

On Saturday, June 17, the Plaza Mayor of Cusco will be transformed with a dazzling show of lights and sounds that will surprise you. Enjoy a unique multi-sensory experience as you immerse yourself in a festive and magical atmosphere. Let yourself be captivated by the combination of bright lights and immersive sound effects that will create an exciting and extraordinary atmosphere. It is the perfect opportunity to enjoy this visual and auditory experience that will transport you to a world of wonders and fill you with amazement. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this truly special moment in the beautiful Plaza Mayor of Cusco.

JUNE 18: Parade of giant allegories

Be impressed by the creativity and ingenuity in the parade of giant allegories presented by the Diego Quispe Ttito University of Fine Arts as part of its tribute to the imperial city of Cusco. This parade generates great expectations among Cusco residents and visitors, who value the outstanding work that the university carries out in the field of culture and art.

JUNE 20 and 21: Dance parade of the universities of Cusco

The universities of Cusco come together in a parade full of typical dances in honor of the imperial city. On Tuesday, June 20, the Andean University of Cusco will offer an outstanding cultural and artistic exhibition of traditional dances. On the other hand, on Wednesday, June 21, the National University of San Antonio Abad of Cusco will hold its own parade, where musicians and dancers from all its faculties and branches will participate. These artists stand out for their commitment to preserving the Cusco identity and for magnificently representing the cultural expressions of the region.

JUNE 22: Parade of the 13 provinces – Greetings to Cusco

In an unprecedented event, the 13 provinces of Cusco meet in a parade held in the Plaza Mayor. Each province shows its uniqueness and cultural richness through dance, music and traditional costumes. This special event offers a unique opportunity to admire the diversity that characterizes Cusco and its cultural heritage.

JUNE 24, CUSCO DAY: Inti Raymi Ceremony

Get ready to immerse yourself in one of the most emblematic celebrations in Cusco: the Inti Raymi Ceremony, which is celebrated every June 24. This ancient Inca ritual is a tribute to the Sun God, Inti, where gratitude is expressed for his blessings and the cycle of life is renewed.

The ceremony begins with the first performance at the Qorikancha Temple, known as the “Salutation to the Sun”, where the opening rituals take place. Then, the second ceremony, the “Meeting of the Times and Coca Leaf Ceremony”, takes place in the Plaza Mayor of Cusco. Finally, the third act takes place on the Chukipampa – Saqsaywaman esplanade , where the central Inti Raymi ceremony takes place. During this event, you will be able to witness the girl’s rite and the symbolic sacrifice of the llama.

These performances offer a show full of magic, music and ancestral dances that will transport you to the times of the Inca empire and leave you amazed. It is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Inca culture and spirituality, where you can appreciate the greatness of this ancient civilization.

It is important to note that the first two performances are free, but it is recommended to arrive early to secure a spot. For the third performance, the purchase of electronic tickets is required through the EMUFEC website.

Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this sacred ceremony and live an unforgettable experience in the heart of Cusco.

The Jubilee Month of Cusco is a unique occasion to explore the history, culture and traditions of the imperial city. From the offerings to Pachamama to the majesty of Inti Raymi, each festivity and event will take you on an unforgettable journey through the rich heritage of Cusco. You cannot miss the opportunity to experience the magic of these celebrations and discover the essence of Cusco during its jubilee month.

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