January

Lima’s Anniversary

Lima, the 'City of Kings', was founded by the 70-year-old conquistador Francisco Pizarro in 1532. Some even say he marked out the main Plaza with his sword. Each year on the anniversary of that day, the proud citizens celebrate with a mixture of popular, religious and military events. Traditionally there is a street parade in the morning and a mass at midday in the cathedral. Flowers are laid around the Pizzaro monument and a programme of folk dance and ballet, creole music and public videos is provided for the crowds that gather in the early evening. Fireworks close the show.

February

Carnivals in Perú

Countrywide, Peru Carnivals (Carnavales) are widespread throughout Peru in the weeks before Easter. In the capital, Lima, carnival is celebrated with street parties, concerts and the gleeful throwing of water-filled balloons at friends and unsuspecting passers-by. In Andean towns, carnival is a notably festive occasion, in contrast to the more solemn traditions more usual in the highlands. The ritual of "yunza" (called "umisha" in the eastern jungle, and "cortamonte" on the coast) is widespread. A specially-transplanted tree is bedecked with gifts, and guests dance around it before it is ceremoniously felled. The couple who strike the final blow of the axe to bring down the tree are given the honour of organising next year's celebrations. Besides this ritual there are parades in fancy dress and masks, feasting, music and dancing. Water is thrown in most places, so watch out for a sudden soaking! 

July

The 100th anniversary of Machu Picchu

A big celebration is about to resume in Perú. On July 24th 2011 Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven wonders, is having its 100th anniversary of rediscovery by the American explorer Hiram Bingham. A century after this historic finding, Machu Picchu has become one of the places that millions long to visit at least once in their lifetimes.

This anniversary is very special for Perú.  It´s a moment for strengthening the proud about their ancestors, the astonishing Incas that ruled a vast and wild territory with the force of their hands and the power of their minds and culture. News and comments about this coming celebrations are beginning to fill the media corridors. But one thing is for sure: The organizers are planning to make something really huge, majestic and unforgettable. Massive events all over Cusco -the ancient inca´s metropolis- are scheduled. They will express the joy and proud of a people with a great history

As an exclusive member of the New Seven Wonders, Machu Picchu will receive the visit of representatives from the other wonders´ countries. This event will be organized by the N7W  in close coordination with Canatur (National Chamber of Tourism) of Peru.

We are truly sure the 100th anniversary of Machu Picchu´s rediscovery will be one of the greatest cultural events of the modern world, bringing Peru and its megalithic and magic legacy even higher in front of a hundred million souls from all over the planet.

September

Mistura -Gastronomic Fair-

Today, Peruvian food lovers from around the world were giving some good news. The 4th edition of the International Gastronomic Fair in Lima, Peru, also known with the more popular name of Mistura 2011, will be extended in this 2011 edition to a total of 10 days. The gastronomic fair will take place from September 9th to September 18th.

Mistura 2011 will open its doors to the general public on September 9th (Friday) and it will remain open until Sunday 18th. Apega (Sociedad Peruana de Gastronomia), the main organizers of Mistura 2011 are expecting more than 300 thousand visitors for this edition of the gastronomic event in Lima. The location for this year will not change from last year's edition and will remain the same place located at El Parque de la Exposicion (Paseo de la Republica and 28 de Julio), as everybody was happy with the facility and floor arrangement during Mistura 2010.

Last year's Mistura 2010 presented the visitors with an incredible selection of dishes from all regions of Peru, there was also all kinds of bread, prepared fresh by more than 50 bread makers (you have to understand than in Peru, you are expected to eat freshly baked bread every day and sliced bread is not very popular).

Mistura 2011 will be the gastronomic event of the year in Peru. The exposition that many of our different cultures in Peru are getting is giving more recognition to the gastronomic legacy and modern development that originates in Peru and its chefs. So make your travel arrangements now, get your plane tickets and hotel reservations ready for September.

Where can I buy my Tickets to Mistura 2011?

You can buy your Mistura 2011 ticket at any participating Teleticket office. The page is in Spanish only. You can access the page at Teleticket clicking here

October

The Lord of the Miracles - (La procesión del Señor de los Milagros)

This procession, which is the most spectacular of the thousands of Peru’s religious festivals, gathers together the largest number of believers in South America. It dates back to colonial times, when a slave, brought over from Angola, drew the image of a black Christ on the walls of a wretched hut in the plantation of Pachacamilla, near Lima.

The image stayed on the wall despite several attempts to erase it.

As a result of this event, worship of the image rose to new heights, until it became what is today the most widely venerated image in the city of Lima. The heart of the celebration is one of the largest processions to take place every year in the Americas, where tens of thousands of the faithful dress in purple tunics, singing hymns and praying as they accompany the image.

The litter which bears the painting weighs two tons and is borne on the shoulders of believers who set out on the traditional 24-hour procession from the church of Las Nazarenas, crossing downtown Lima until it reaches the church of La Merced in Barrios Altos. Around this time of year, the streets fill with vendors of a wide variety of typical dishes and sweets, such as the famous Turrón de Doña Pepa.

In October to commemorate the Lord of Miracles (Señor de los Milagros), Lima hosts the well-known bullfight season which carries the same name and is held in the centuries-old Plaza de Acho bullring. The season features some major bullfighters (toreros) from Spain and Latin America.