Chiclayo Events and Festivals

(Chiclayo, Lambayeque, Peru)

Famous throughout Peru for its Marinera dancing and folkloric music, the festivals of Chiclayo offer additional interest for visiting tourists. Each Sunday morning, the Plaza de Armas plays host to parades, marching and dancing, followed by the locals singing the national anthem.

Many events of Chiclayo are of a religious nature and bring together much of the community, while other festivals and things to do seem to be simply a good excuse for a party, particularly on July 28th and 29th, the National Peru Independence Days.


Easter is always a time celebrated with much fervour in Peru and Chiclayo is no exception to this, with its Holy Week (Semana Santa) each March / April offering processions and plenty of live entertainment to satisfy the onlooking crowds. Also in April is the anniversary of the founding of Chiclayo and the Festival of the Lord of Justice in Ferrenafe.

Chiclayo Festivals and Events 2014 / 2015: General Information

The main annual events in the city are show below.

• New Year's Day - January 1st, national holiday in Chiclayo and throughout Peru
• Festival of the Captive Lord in Monsefú - mid-March, with colourful costumed processions
• Festival of San José - late March, with folk music, dancing and many local events staged all around the valley
• Anniversary of the Founding of Chiclayo - mid-April, with concerts, street markets and fireworks
• Festival of the Lord of Justice in Ferrenafe - late April, known for its agricultural fairs, craft stalls and family parties
• Lemon Festival - mid-June, a citrus fragrance fills the air within Chiclayo's neighbourhood of Olmos, with various contests taking place
• Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun) - late June, a religious celebration of the Inca empire
• Festival of the Divine Child of the Miracle in Eten - late July, with parades and cultural events staged in the Eten area, lasting four days
• Monsefú Fair - late July, a week-long event in Chiclayo, with Peruvian dancing, music and lots of handicrafts on display, including delicate silver filigree pieces
• Cruz de Chalpón - early August, with literally thousands of pilgrims trekking to Motupe to honour the Lord in the Cross de Chalpón, an important patron saint
• Battle of Angamos Day - October 8th, a national Peruvian holiday and festival
• All Saints Day - November 1st, with various events held in central Chiclayo, around the Plaza de Armas