Those who love to travel know that there is always something new to discover. Visiting Peru at Christmas? Why not? From September to December it is spring in Peru, and during those months there is a much more pleasant warm climate. You can also visit Machu Picchu with more peace of mind because there are fewer tourists. Spending the end of the year holidays in Peru will be a wonderful experience.
The origins of Christmas in Peru
In Peru, Christmas began to be celebrated in 1535 with the arrival of the Spanish. Unlike other countries in the world, Peruvians celebrate it on 24 December, Christmas Eve, better known as la Noche Buena. The most important event is Midnight Mass, usually held at 11pm. After attending Mass, families continue the celebrations with a lavish dinner after midnight. The Christmas Eve menu traditionally includes turkey, pork, dried meat or juanes; these dishes reflect the country's cultural diversity and show how these holidays are a magical moment when Peruvian gastronomic traditions truly shine. In Peru, the birth of Jesus is celebrated in each of its regions with rituals and traditions that identify their inhabitants. Some of these traditions have been recognised as National Heritage or have even gained international recognition. Among the country's most important cultural expressions are the markets of Cusco and the Navidad Negra of Chincha.
Experience the magic of Christmas in Cusco
The city's balconies fill with garlands, lights and countless decorations, while various activities take place in the streets that will surprise you during your trip to Peru. One of the most eagerly awaited traditions is the Santurantikuy, or ‘Sale of the Saints’, a Christmas fair that has taken place in Cusco since the 16th century, bringing together the region's finest artisans. Every 24 December, Cusco's Plaza de Armas is transformed into a huge open-air market. Artisans from across the region come to the Imperial City to sell the works they have crafted throughout the year. Clay figures of every size and shape adorn the nativity scenes made especially for this occasion. Among all the figures, one stands out above the rest: el Niño Manuelito, the name given by the people of Cusco to the baby Jesus. With the arrival of the Spanish, Catholicism prevailed over Inca beliefs, but the imprint of the empire remained, creating an Andean-Catholic religious syncretism that survives to this day, symbolised by the various Niño Manuelito statuettes you'll find at the Santurantikuy.
La Navidad Negra (Black Christmas)
In the district of El Carmen, in the province of Chincha (Ica), it is customary to stage a living nativity called the Navidad Negra, in which all the main performers are of Afro-Peruvian heritage, gathering amid dance and song to welcome the arrival of the baby Jesus. The youngest children perform a kind of tap dance as a promise to their ancestors to commemorate this birth. The joy of the children, the applause of the adults and musical instruments such as the quijada de burro and the cajón are all part of this great Creole Afro-Peruvian celebration. During this celebration, the dances of Hatajo de Negritos and Las Pallitas are performed. These two Afro-Peruvian cultural expressions were declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by Unesco on 12 December 2019. Peru is full of surprising places, and this Christmas we look forward to welcoming you to visit Machu Picchu and the Inca civilisation.