Peru Guide

Since 1999, Pisco, Peru's national drink and the pride and joy of every Peruvian, has its very own day of celebrations.

Fiestas Patrias, Peru’s National Holidays, are probably the most important and most enthusiastically celebrated event of the year in Peru.

On August 1, Peru and here especially the southern highland regions of the country celebrate National Alpaca Day focusing on the small, fluffy camelid honoring the challenging work of generations of Alpaca breeders and promoting the consumption and usage of Alpaca products.

In Peru, and here especially in the Andean highlands, August 1 (and actually the entire month of August) is dedicated to Pachamama, next to the sun god Inti, probably the most important and worshipped deity in the Inca culture.

Each year around August 5, the citizens of Motupe, a small town about 80 km (50 miles) north of Chiclayo in the Lambayeque region, and worshippers from across the country pay homage to the Cross of Chalpon with a large pilgrimage festival.

Founded by the Spaniard Garcí Manuel de Carbajal on August 15, 1540, Arequipa celebrates its anniversary each year enthusiastically with festivities throughout the month of August.

As with so many other national products, coffee has its own day of celebration in Peru. Since 2008 the last Friday of August is dedicated to Peruvian coffee and promoted with tastings, fairs and special offers.

Already in the 17th century Pope Clemente X designated August 30 to Saint Rose of Lima, the patron saint of Lima, Peru, the Americas and the Philippines. And still today, this day is a public holiday in Peru honoring the devoted and selfless patroness.

Mistura is, or unfortunately correctly until 2017, was the largest and most important food festival in Latin America. Held annually in Lima, it attracted hundreds of thousands of national and international visitors putting the Peruvian capital and Peru on the gastronomic world map.

Each year on the second Sunday in September, Peruvians celebrate the Dia de la Cocina y Gastronomia Peruana (Day of the Peruvian cuisine and gastronomy) recognizing the importance and value of the diverse local cuisine in the country and abroad.