Carnivals in Peru 2023: when do they start and where are they celebrated?

Peru is filled with joy and culture in the first months of the year with the summer carnivals. (Andean)

The festivities season in much of Peru is celebrated in the traditional carnivals that unite Peruvians and visitors, who join the festivities that fill all corners with joy, from dawn until night falls.

Parades, typical dances, colorful costumes and traditional music give meaning to these cultural encounters that are meticulously prepared to offer the best shows.

They usually last between the months of February and March, so if you are thinking of living this experience, organize your trip to any of these cities from now on. Take into account that in other regions of the country, the dates are usually adjusted to the annual calendar of activities.

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The Ayacuchano Carnival, one of the most popular in Peru and the region. (Andean)

It is one of the most famous in Peru. It is celebrated from March 2 with floats and the appearance of the character Ño Carnavalón, who is in charge of directing the party. Talc, streamers and paints fly through the air, creating an atmosphere of joy.

Unlike the one carried out in Europe, the Ayacucho people adapted it to its amphibian origin, paying tribute to Pachamama or Mother Earth.

From February 18 to 22, the Cajamarca Carnival 2023 will be held.

Those who come to these lands immerse themselves in dance parties, floats and multicolored costumes. One of the traditions is to participate in the “globeada”, a moment in which water is thrown in balloons, as well as talcum powder, paint and snacks.

The Plaza de Armas becomes the epicenter of a majestic parade in which the inhabitants and their authorities participate.

An emblematic dance of the Ucayalino carnival is the “Chimaichi”. (Andean)

If you love heat and fun, this is your destination. In the central jungle, carnivals are also celebrated, with Ucayali being one of its best settings. Residents and visitors take to the streets to organize parades with traditional dances from the Amazon.

Here they perform the popular Amazon yunzas or “humishas” that bring together all those who participate in this joyous celebration.

Allegorical cars with imposing figures of animals in the Piura carnival. (Andean)

Catacaos is one of the most attractive places this season. The festivities begin with the election of Miss Carnival, who gives way to the game of paint and water in the streets.

Traditional dances and gastronomic fairs are inevitable in the organization. The hospitality of the locals causes more tourists to come every year to join their customs.

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The Andahuaylinos celebrate the Pukllay, called “Carnival originating in Peru” with exultation. (Andina)

Also known as the Original Carnival of Peru, it is a celebration expected by everyone in Andahuaylas. This event expresses the identity and validity of the ancient Andean culture, allowing the reunion of the countryside and the city during the carnival celebration.

The gangs dance through the streets of Apurímac with talc on their faces and streamers around their necks. (Andean)

Its main characteristic is the mischief and the participation of the enthusiastic inhabitants. Among the most outstanding customs is the yunza, which brings together the participants to try to knock down a tree, decorated and with gifts, with the help of an ax or machete.

There are typical costume contests, the best troupe, as well as the election of the Miss Carnival and the Campesino Carnival.

The game with foam has gained ground in the Arequipa carnival. (Andean)

The festivity begins with a party starring the patron bands and the comparsas. No one is spared, passers-by and even police live this celebration in which pica-pica, paint, water and even eggs are thrown.

From here, groups of young people with painted faces stand out, hiding in the squares and appearing to join the typical dances, inviting everyone to participate.

The Great Auction of the International Carnival of Tacna. (Andean)

This cultural expression unites the traditions of Andean migration, its rituals and religiosity in its parades that run through the city.

Dances are the most representative forms of celebration, one of the most popular being the “tarkada”.

Find out the dates on which some festivities and carnivals will be held between February and March 2023, according to the data from the portal. And what are your plans?

From February 1 to 28: carnivals in Peru.

From February 1 to 15: Ucayalino carnival.

Thursday, February 2: Festivity of the Virgin of Candelaria.

Wednesday February 8: Carnivals in the Mantaro Valley and Central Jungle.

Tuesday February 14: Huaracino Carnival.

Wednesday February 15: Fiesta de los Compadres in Pasco.

Thursday February 16: Carnival of Lima.

Friday, Feb. 17: Carnival Meet.

Monday, February 20 and Tuesday, February 21: Huaytarino Carnival and in Huancavelica.

Thursday February 23: Loncco Carnivals in Arequipa.

Friday, February 24: Carnival of Íllimo and its yunzas in Lambayeque.

Tuesday, February 28: Cataquense Carnival in Piura.

From March 1 to 30: Pukllay, National Ecuentro of the Originary Carnival of Peru

Thursday March 2: Juliaca Carnival in Puno.

Tuesday March 21: Cerreño Carnival Festival in Pasco.

The “clone”, a troupe character who wears colorful clothes and a hat. (Andean)

If you are thinking of going alone or accompanied to one of the carnivals that will be held in February, pay attention to the following recommendations so that you can enjoy this amazing experience.

– Organize a budget or travel bag.

– Separate your ticket and lodging in advance, since there is usually a lot of demand on these dates.

– Although many stores accept credit or debit cards, some businesses maintain cash payments.

– Check the weather forecasts to know what to wear during your trip.

– At the beginning of January the national strike that began on December 7 was resumed. Try to be informed about the blockade of the roads since this situation could impede your transit.

– Make a list of the tourist places you want to know and if you will need a tourist agency to provide you with the guide service.

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