Hello Travel Friends
At Machu Picchu Excursions, we are ready to welcome June with the celebrations for the Cusco June Festival and Inti Raymi. This historic city is always alive with vibrant activities that extend over several days. Make plans to visit while these spectacular events take place.
Whether it’s a traditional Inca ceremony or a modern music festival, there is something for everyone in Cusco. Each of its festivals is steeped in rich culture and colorful history. Experience the magic of Cusco through its annual celebrations.
June hosts the best of Cusco regarding cultural activities and regionalism. It offers a mix of Catholic traditions and Inca heritage, making it perfect for anyone who wants to experience all that Cusco has to offer in one month.
Saturday 1: Start of the Jubilee Month of Cusco
Sunday 2: Great Qosqo 10k Hatun Phaway 2024 Race
Tuesday 4: Mass and pilgrimage in honor of the founders of Cusco Day
Thursday 6: Octave of the Corpus Christi in Cusco
Monday 10: Parade of typical dances of the initial level
Tuesday 11: Parade of typical dances of primary level
Wednesday 12: Parade of typical dances of secondary level
Thursday 13: Parade of dances – institutes of higher education
Friday 14: Parade of the Technological University of the Andes
Saturday 15: Parade of journalistic institutions
Sunday 16: Parade of Andean allegories – Diego Quispe Tito National University of Arts
Monday 17: Parade of the Andean University of Cusco
Tuesday 18: Parade of the National University of San Antonio Abad of Cusco
Wednesday 19: Inca Garcilaso de la Vega School Parade
Thursday 20: Night of light and sound
Friday 21: Solemn session of the Provincial Council of Cusco. Health parade from Peru to Cusco
Saturday 22: Parade of the 13 provinces of Cusco
Sunday 23: Civic Parade
Monday 24: Evocation and staging of the Inti Raymi, the great Sun Festival in its three scenarios (Qoricancha, Main Square, and Sacsayhuaman esplanade)
Cusco, Peru, is bursting with culture, especially evident in its vibrant festivals. Among the important ones, Holy Week stands out, transforming the historic center into a living canvas of devotion and tradition.
During Holy Week, the entire city reflects its deep religious roots. Streets like Plateros and Sol Avenue gather tourists and locals alike, all coming together to witness the traditional processions and activities.
Another key event in the Cusco June Festival calendar 2024 is Cruz Velacuy, which blends different cultures such as the belief in Apus and the Catholic Cross. It begins in early May and extends until early June.
Cruz Velacuy brings together the crosses from the Cusco region. Local districts celebrate with dances and special gatherings featuring music and dance, strengthening the community’s faith and sense of belonging.
A special date fits around the winter solstice on June 21. This date marks the beginning of Inti Raymi, the Festival of the Sun. It is a must-attend event for everyone visiting Peru during the 2024 June Cusco Festival calendar.
Inti Raymi celebrates the sun as an Inca god and anticipates the new year. National and regional visitors come to Qorikancha, Plaza de Armas, and Sacsayhuamán, places that host the three scenes of the festival’s reenactment. Actors perform ancient rituals live and for the festival broadcast.
Though it takes place at these three locations, the festivities also extend into the streets of Cusco. It is impossible to miss the joy of the “fiesta.”
June 24 is the day of Inti Raymi, coinciding with the winter solstice. This is one of Cusco’s public holidays and simultaneously the most massive in terms of celebration. On this day, the entire city literally boils with the energy of this great celebration.
The main ceremony begins at Plaza de Armas and then moves up to Sacsayhuamán. During its length, spectators can witness theatrical representations of ancient Inca ceremonies, filled with history, culture, and devotion.
This will also be a peak day in the 2024 June Cusco Festival calendar. Why? It attracts the highest number of tourists, eager to be part of this living history. Booking the trip months in advance is highly recommended for this grand celebration.
The Cusco festival calendar is not only a religious festival calendar. It also stands out as a showcase of cultural heritage. Most of the focus is on traditional dances during the festivals. Many dances narrate stories and scenes from the past, keeping history alive.
Every dance performed at these festivals has a story behind it. This reflects the importance of each cultural presentation. They go far beyond being entertainment.
Additionally, they contribute to cultural preservation. Knowing this enhances your experience.
The music features history and tradition. Traditional music accompanies these dances. Instruments that have been played for thousands of years produce sounds that connect with the soul. Blending dance and music creates a very interactive experience within the festivals of Cusco.
Besides Inti Raymi, there are still many other fiestas in adoration of Cusco’s patron saints. One of the most important religious fiestas is the procession of the Lord of the Earthquakes, also known as Taytacha de los Temblores or Señor de los Temblores.
The celebration begins with a march around Plaza de Armas and other churches. Devotees follow the Taytacha with lighted candles and sing hymns to the statue of the Lord, who is said to protect Cusco from earthquakes. There is always an air filled with reverence and unity.
Such religious celebrations not only offer a glimpse into the Catholic soul of Cusco but also into the community spirit. They reflect the deep faith and rich tradition that exists throughout Peru. Joining these traditional festivals enriches your Cusco experience to the max.
