Lima Events and Festivals
(Lima, Peru)
As Peru's capital city, the calendar of festivals in Lima is extensive to say the least, with an endless selection of seasonal things to do. All through the year various appealing events take place across Lima, often being of a religious nature, along with many theatrical performances, ballets and concerts at the recently revamped Municipal Theatre (Teatro Municipal).
The Festival of Lima is held annually on January 18th and celebrates the founding of the city, on this day in 1535. Other events of note include the Feast of Santa Rosa de Lima, which is staged on August 30th and honours St. Rose, the patron saint of both the city and the Americas. Not to be missed either is the El Senor de los Milagros (Lord of the Miracles), where enormous religious parades fill the city with excitement and vibrancy.
Lima Calendar of Festivals and Events 2014 / 2015
January
- Epiphany Celebration of the Three Kings - early January, marking the visit by the Three Kings, with visitors being able to sample local Peruvian specialities, such as Rosca de Reyes (crown-shaped bread)
- Anniversary of Lima's Foundation - mid-January, with a wealth of activities centre around the Plaza de Armas (Plaza Mayor), such as exhibitions relating to the colonial period, outdoor music, dancing, processions and an evening fireworks display
- Concurso Nacional de Marinera (National Marinera Contest) - late January, a traditional Peruvian dancing competition, with brightly coloured costumes and flamboyant moves
February
- Carnival Season - February and March, colourful processions, water fights and feasting marks the start of the carnival season
- Verano Negro Festival - mid-February, a celebration of the city's Afro-Peruvian heritage, with folkloric dancing, music and partying in the streets around the Plaza de Armas
- Festival de Deportes de Aventura de Lunahuaná (Lunahuaná Adventure Sports Festival) - late February / early March in the Afueras de Lima area, run by the Latin American Association of Adventure Sports. Sporting events include white-water rafting (river running) and kayaking, rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking and even paragliding
March
- Fiesta de la Vendimia de Surco (Vineyard Harvest of Surco) - mid-March, based in the Santiago de Surco area, with winemaking demonstrations and traditional treading of grapes
April
- Peruvian Jazz Festival - mid-April, organised by the International Jazz Association of Peru, with concerts and workshops attracting a number of leading international jazz artists
- Peruvian Paso Horse Competitions - mid-April, an interesting day out in the Miraflores district, with many side stalls and freshly cooked food
May
- Fiesta de las Cruces o Cruz de Mayo (Festival of the Crosses) - early May, held every year on the first Sunday in May, with a total of 14 crosses leading to the top of the San Cristobal Hill
June
- Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun) - June 24th, a national holiday with various Inca celebrations, although much lower key than those in Cusco
- Feast of St. Peter and St. Paul - June 29th, a religious event that always draws large crowds to the city
July
- Fiestas Patrias (Independence Days) - July 28th and 29th, national holidays, with various events taking place around the Plaza de Armas and nearby parks, in the historic centre of the city. Expect to find folk music, flag raising and even a 21-cannon salute
August
- Feast of Santa Rosa de Lima - August 30th, with processions, partying, dancing and all kinds of family friendly entertainment
September
- Concurso Departamental del Caballo Peruano de Paso - September to November, a leading equestrian event held nearby, in the Afueras de Lima area
October
- Virgin of the Rosary Festival - early October, held on the first Sunday each October, with large gatherings at the Santo Domingo Monastery
- Feria Taurina del Senor de los Milagros - mid-October to November, a festival of bullfighting which dates back to the mid-1940s and attracts enormous crowds. Bullfighters compete for the 'Golden Cape of Our Lord of Miracles', which is known locally as the 'Escapulario de Oro del Senor de los Milagros'
- El Senor de los Milagros (Lord of Miracles Procession) - late October, a major parade through the streets of the city, starting at the Church of Las Nazarenas and honouring the patron saint of the city
- El Senor Luren Pilgrimage - throughout October, the neighbouring city of Ica plays host to this highly religious pilgrimage
November
- San Martin de Porres Festival - early November, an event remembering the life of San Martin, who gained many followers during the early 17th century
- Fiesta de Todos los Santos (All Saints Day) - November 1st, a religious event and national holiday throughout Peru
- Dia de los Muertos (All Souls Day / Day of the Dead) - November 2nd, a friendly festivity, following All Saints Day
December
- Christmas Celebrations - throughout December / early January, Yuletide events take place all around the city, including Chincha and El Carmen areas, commencing with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception in the early part of December. Festivities culminate with the celebrations relating to the Three Wise Men, in the first part of January
- Battle of Ayacucho - mid-December, with enjoyable re-enactments of battles offering a taste of the past, along with lots of live music