Carnival is one of Peru’s most celebrated holidays and is a great time to be in the country. You’ll experience Peruvian parties, large parades, and some of the most unique celebrations in all of Latin America. Here is our guide to everything you need to know before attending Peru’s famous holiday.
Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.
When is it?
Carnival is usually celebrated in February and is the week before Lent. Its roots lie in the Catholic faith, which was brought over from Spain during colonization. Today, it is one of the most celebrated holidays in all of Peru and throughout Latin America. It has become a time of drinking, eating, and partying.
Peru carnival | © manchav / Pixabay
Where should you go?
Carnival is celebrated all over Peru, but there are some cities where it is especially popular, drawing people from all over the country as well as from all around the world. The cities mentioned here will require advance booking and planning in order to beat the crowds and find somewhere to stay. Expect most accommodations in these cities to raise their prices during carnival.
Cusco may have the most unique carnival celebration in all of Peru. It is a unique city that is a mix of Andean and Catholic traditions, and this will become apparent when you watch the parades and see the unique dress and the dance that take place.
Cajamarca parade | © manchav / Pixabay
Become a Culture Tripper!
Sign up to our newsletter to
save up to $1,656 on our unique trips.
Cajamarca is known around Peru as the best place to celebrate carnival. They have a massive Plaza de Armas, which is perfect for a large gathering of people. You’ll find the streets decorated, and people everywhere wearing costumes and masks. The normally sleepy Andean town comes to life this month to throw the best party of the year.
As the capital of Peru, there is sure to be a lot going on in Lima during carnival. The city is too big to have a centralized party, and instead, you’ll find neighborhood parties all over the city, with people everywhere joining in on the carnival traditions.
How do Peruvians celebrate?
Peru has many different and unique ways of celebrating one of their biggest parties of the year. Some of the traditions won’t be found anywhere else in Latin America, making a Peruvian carnival a unique experience.
Balloons | © Pexels / Pixabay
Water ballooning not just your friends, but everyone you see, is common practice. Small armies of kids armed with huge numbers of water balloons will be seen throughout cities, chucking water balloons at unsuspecting bystanders. The intense heat of a Peruvian summer means that the barrage of water balloons is welcomed by most people.
The person in charge of your carnival party will plant a tree that is decorated with presents and ornaments, similar to a Christmas tree, but with prizes on it. Everyone hangs around the tree until all the guests have arrived, and will then begin the chopping. Taking an axe or machete, couples will take turns hacking at the tree until it is brought down. The couple that knocks down the tree will then throw next year’s party.
Culture Trips launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes places and communities so special.
Our immersive trips, led by Local Insiders, are once-in-a-lifetime experiences and an invitation to travel the world with like-minded explorers. Our Travel Experts are on hand to help you make perfect memories. All our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
All our travel guides are curated by the Culture Trip team working in tandem with local experts. From unique experiences to essential tips on how to make the most of your future travels, we’ve got you covered.
Source link : https://theculturetrip.com/south-america/peru/articles/everything-you-need-to-know-about-perus-carnival
Author :
Publish date : 2023-08-03 03:00:00
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
