The month of June marks the beginning of one of Peru’s most anticipated and important festivities: Cusco Festivals. People recognize this festival for its cultural richness as a union of ancestral Inca traditions and elements inherited from the colonial era.
During this Jubilee Month, the imperial city comes alive with a multitude of activities that reflect the pride, identity, unity, and spirituality of Cusco society. Some of the most notable events during the Cusco festival include the Corpus Christi celebration, civic marches, cultural shows, music contests, and a variety of other activities. People eagerly anticipate Inti Raymi, also known as the Festival of the Sun. This festival symbolizes the union between humanity, nature, and the Andean worldview.
Below, we present the official schedule of activities for June in the imperial city and highlight which ones are most closely linked to Inti Raymi.
Cusco Festivals Schedule
Cusco’s festivals play an important role in strengthening local identity. They integrate diverse cultural expressions from both the Andes and the colonial era. During these celebrations, the people of Cusco are not just spectators; they actively participate. This involvement reaffirms their connection to traditions that have shaped their history and culture.
Cultural Events
These activities mark the beginning of the Cusco Festival and symbolize the respect and gratitude of the Cusco people for their ancestral roots. Through traditional ceremonies, rituals, and cultural expressions, Pachamama (Mother Earth) is honored, considered a protective deity and source of life in the Andean worldview:
“Suena Cusco” Contest – May 31 | 2:00 p.m.
A musical event dedicated to highlighting local talent, featuring numerous bands and groups from Cusco. This activity marks the beginning of the festive spirit and joy of cusco festivals.
Offering to Pachamama – June 1 | 8:30 a.m.
People pay homage and express gratitude to Mother Earth, known locally as Pachamama, through a generational ceremony. This ritual, with spiritual and symbolic significance, marks the official beginning of a month full of festivities and traditions.
Institutional Tributes and Parades
During this stage of the festivities, many educational and social institutions join the tributes to Cusco. They present artistic expressions like dance, music, and traditional attire. These acts strengthen local identity through Andean cultural manifestations:
Mass and Tribute to Dr. Humberto Vidal Unda – June 5 | 9:00 a.m.
The Mass and posthumous tribute in honor of Dr. Humberto Vidal Unda, along with the historical leaders of cusco festivals, is a ceremony traditionally held at the “Temple of Almudena”. Although the time has not yet been set, it is expected to take place at 9:00 a.m. According to last year’s schedule, this event represents a recognition of those who contributed to the recovery of the Inti Raymi and the strengthening of contemporary celebrations in Cusco.
Senior Citizens Parade – June 8
The “Greeting to Cusco” parade, organized by EsSalud’s Senior Centers and Clubs, is held every year on June 8 as part of the Jubilee Month festivities. During this festivity, senior citizens from different Cusco neighborhoods parade in the Plaza Mayor wearing traditional costumes and performing traditional dances. Although the schedule has not yet been confirmed, it generally takes place in the morning.
University and Institute Parades – June 9-13
As a salute to Cusco, various universities and institutes participate in the parades, highlighting the commitment of Cusco’s youth through music and dance.
- Pedagogical, technological, and music institute parade | June 9
- Andean University of Cusco (UAC) parade | June 10
- Technological University of the Andes (UTEA) parade | June 11
- National University of San Antonio Abad del Cusco (UNSAAC) parade | June 12
- Continental University parade | June 13
Special Activities during the Cusco Festivals
The Cusco Festival features a range of events that highlight the region’s rich traditions, artistic expression, and cultural creativity. These activities involve the participation of different cultural groups, reflecting the diversity and creativity of the region:
Dog Parade – June 14 | 9:00 a.m.
This unique event is an expression of the love and dedication we feel for our pets. The streets of the historic center are filled with life and color, accompanied by our pets, who wear creative costumes that reflect the imagination and affection of their owners.
“Peru’s Greeting to Cusco” Parade – June 14 | 11:30 a.m.
In this moving ceremony, the various regions of Peru pay tribute to Cusco through colorful dances and traditional melodies. People demonstrate their deep respect and national pride for the historic city through artistic expression.
First Cusco Folklore Festival 2025 – June 14
This festival brings together folklore groups that stand out for their traditional dances and music, celebrating the cultural richness of the region.
Allegory Parade of the National University of Art – June 15
Among the most eagerly awaited parades of the Cusco festivals is the one organized by the Diego Quispe Tito National University of Art. This tradition, which has been celebrated for more than 25 years, brings together students and local artists who showcase their talent and creativity through floats and cultural events. The event showcases Cusco’s rich artistic and cultural heritage.
School Parades During Cusco Festivals
These dates showcase the enthusiasm of youth, representing their effort and devotion to the city of Cusco:
Primary School Parades – June 17
Young people aged 6 to 11 from various Cusco schools generally make up the primary school parade, showing their commitment to the Cusco festivals.
Secondary School Parades – June 20
The secondary school parade is made up of students from Cusco schools, whose ages range from 12 to 16, corresponding to grades 1 through 5. This parade demonstrates a high level of coordination and skill in the execution of the dances, making it one of the most striking manifestations of the Cusco festivals.
Corpus Christi Festival
Corpus Christi is one of the city’s most important religious festivals, during which images of saints and virgins representing the different districts of Cusco gather at the Cathedral. During this celebration, it is common to see parades from Cusco’s temples. Also noteworthy is the culinary preparation of chiriuchu, a typical dish that is an essential part of this festival.
Corpus Christi Festival – June 18
During the Corpus Christi Festival, sacred images of saints and virgins, representing the different districts of Cusco, begin their journey to the Plaza de Armas. This festival is accompanied by processions, traditional music, and the active participation of the faithful and communities, who gather with a deep sense of faith.
Corpus Christi Procession – June 19
On June 19, the Corpus Christi procession passes through Cusco’s Plaza de Armas, where 15 sacred images of saints and virgins from different districts of the city are displayed. These images are received at the Cathedral and paraded accompanied by traditional music, folk dances, and community participation, a display of devotion and respect for the Catholic faith.
Corpus Christi Octave – June 26
The Corpus Christi Octave marks the closing ceremony of the Corpus Christi celebration in Cusco. It takes place one week after the June 19 procession. The images of the saints and virgins that participated in the festivity return to their original parishes.
Activities Related to Inti Raymi
These dates are related to Inti Raymi, the Festival of the Sun, which reflects the cultural and spiritual identity of Cusco and its connection to the solar and agricultural cycles of the ancient Inca Empire. The celebration preserves traditions that attract both locals and visitors. These are the events most closely associated with Inti Raymi:
Mega-Event of Light and Sound – June 21
One of the main celebrations during Cusco’s festivities takes place in the main square, where people gather to enjoy live concerts and fireworks displays. It is advisable to arrive early because preferred spots or those with the best views of this event tend to fill up quickly.
Parade of the 13 Provinces – June 22
On June 22, representatives from Cusco’s 13 provinces gather in the Plaza de Armas to pay tribute through traditional dances. This event generally begins at 9:00 a.m. and runs until around 3:00 p.m.
Grand Civic Parade – June 23
This parade takes place the day before Inti Raymi and brings together various civic, educational, and cultural institutions of Cusco. During the day, these organizations parade through the city’s main streets to demonstrate their commitment to tradition and identity during Cusco’s festivities.
Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun) – June 24
This is the main event of Cusco’s festivities. The celebration takes place at three important locations: Qorikancha, the main square, and the Sacsayhuamán fortress. Actors and musicians perform the ancient Inca ritual dedicated to the sun god. Inti Raymi is the most important moment of the festivities in Cusco and offers a unique experience for residents and visitors.
What is the origin of the Inti Raymi?
In the Inca period, Inti Raymi was a celebration that lasted several days and began on the winter solstice, when the sun reaches its furthest point and the night is longest. People celebrated this festival as a symbol of gratitude to the Sun God for light and life. They also used it to pray for good fortune and a bountiful harvest the following year.
Festival of the Lord of Qoyllority
The festival of the Lord of Qoyllority takes place from May 30th to June 8th. It is one of Peru’s most representative religious and cultural expressions. It takes place every year between the months of May and June, on the slopes of the Sinakara snow-capped mountain, located in the Ocongate district of Cusco. Thousands of devotees from different parts of the country participate in this pilgrimage.
The faithful consider the image of Christ imprinted on a rock as the centerpiece of the cult. They closely link it to respect for the apus, or sacred mountains, and nature. During the festival, various groups called “nations”—representatives of different communities—perform dances, songs, and rituals specific to their cultures.
Why is cusco famous?
Cusco stands out as an important tourist destination due to its living Andean and colonial traditions. Celebrations like Inti Raymi and Corpus Christi are cultural expressions that form part of the region’s heritage. The city also preserves Inca structures such as the stone walls of Sacsayhuaman and Qoricancha. These demonstrate the remarkable engineering of the Inca empire. Additionally, its proximity to Machu Picchu — one of the seven wonders of the modern world — makes Cusco an essential stop for travelers seeking to experience the Andean world up close.
Recommendations to Enjoy Cusco Festivals
- Book in advance, as demand is high in June and accommodations, tours, and tickets can sell out quickly.
- Arrive early to acclimatize to Cusco’s altitude and avoid altitude sickness by drinking coca tea or other natural remedies.
- Wear layered clothing, as the temperature can vary significantly between morning, afternoon, and night.
- Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect your skin and eyes from the sun’s intense radiation.
- Keep your belongings safe, especially at crowded events. Make sure your backpack is securely closed.
- Bring a fully charged cell phone and, if possible, a portable battery so you don’t miss the opportunity to take photos or record important moments.
- Arrive early for the main events to find a good spot from which to enjoy the spectacle.
- Enjoy the festivities with respect for local traditions and customs, participating with joy and consideration.
Best Tours for Participating in Cusco Festivals
On your visit to the Imperial City, enjoy these adventures with Imperios Travel. Our goal is to make your experience in this country a unique one, and for you to enjoy it every minute:
Leave a Reply