September Festivals and Events in Peru

Unlike most months in the Peruvian calendar, September is devoid of national holidays. Far from being a drab month, however, September has its fair share of colorful religious events and cultural highlights.

Peru in September: Annual Festivals and Events

Festival Reyna del Cañaveral Apurimac, dates vary

The Festival Reyna del Cañaveral (Festival of the Sugar Cane Queen) takes place in the Apurimac department of south-central Peru. The yearly event sees locals heading to the banks of the Rio Pampas near the small town of Callebamba. Along with the election of the Queen, or Miss Cañaveral, the festival serves to highlight the region’s products and tourist attractions. Water sports such as swimming and rafting provide plenty of entertainment, while gastronomic fairs offer typical regional cuisine.

Festival Ecoturístico de Comunidades Rurales y Turistas Pasco, first weekend of September

The stark, high-altitude area surrounding the city of Cerro de Pasco is far from being a tourist hotspot. The annual Festival Ecoturístico is trying to change all that by promoting the region’s sights and activities. The festivities take place in the Huayllay National Sanctuary, a park known for its strange geological formations. The weekend features a mix of outdoor activities, competitions and cultural showcases, making it the ideal time to visit this often overlooked part of Peru.

Fiesta Patronal Virgen de la Natividad San Martin, September 8

The small but culturally significant town of Lamas is a hotbed of traditions from both pre-Columbian and colonial Peru. The Virgen de la Natividad (Virgin of the Nativity) religious celebrations attract a crowd from across the country, with the faithful honoring the region’s patron saint, Mary. Lamas is located a short distance from the city of Tarapoto in the department of San Martin.

Fiesta Patronal de San Nicolás de Tolentino y la Virgen de la Natividad Amazonas, September 7 to 12

The Fiesta Patronal de San Nicolás de Tolentino is celebrated in the Rodriguez de Mendoza province of the Amazonas department, not far from the departmental capital of Chachapoyas (home to the fortress of Kuelap). The colorful six-day festival features a variety of agricultural and gastronomical events, as well as various recreational activities.

Virgen de Cocharcas Central Highlands, September 8

September 8 is an important date among the faithful of the Central Highlands, from the Mantaro Valley in Junin to the Apurimac department of Peru. The main procession leads to the religious sanctuary of the Virgen de Cocharcas in the province of Andahuaylas. Further processions snake through the highland region; the days surrounding the festival are dotted with traditional dances and feasts.

Fiesta Patronal del Señor de Gualamita Amazonas, September 10 to 16

The Fiesta Patronal del Señor de Gualamita is another vibrant celebration in the department of Amazonas, this time centered on the province of Luya. Inhabitants of the region descend upon the provincial capital of Lamud for feasting, folkloric processions, music and plenty of dancing.

Festividad del Señor de Locumba Tacna, September 14

On September 14, the small village of Locumba, located in Tacna, Peru’s southernmost department, hosts a large gathering of faithful from across the region. The pilgrims come to pay homage to the image of Christ on the Cross, and to celebrate at the Sanctuary of the Señor de Locumba (also known as the Iglesia del Señor de los Pies Quemados). Locumba is located about 50 miles to the northeast of the city of Tacna.

Señor Cautivo de Monsefú Lambayeque, September 14

The festivities in Monsefú, a small town just south of Chiclayo, last for much of September, but the main street parades take place on September 14. Monsefú is known for its flower-sellers and artisans, so the religious parades are predictably colorful.

Señor de Huanca Cusco, September 14

The Sanctuary of the Señor de Huanca is the destination for one of Peru’s largest pilgrimages, attracting visitors from across the country as well as from neighboring nations. From Cusco, you can hike the trail to the sanctuary (four to five hours) to receive your blessings, or simply to admire the centuries-old image of the Señor de Huanca, painted on the rock walls of the shrine.

Festival Internacional de la Primavera La Libertad, end of September

Trujillo’s annual Festival Internacional de la Primavera attracts a large crowd of both local and international visitors. The multi-day event includes everything from street parades to beauty contests, and a mix of Peruvian sports from bullfighting to surfing. Open-air concerts and traditional dances keep things lively throughout the night, while plenty of handicrafts and regional dishes are available during the day. The Peruvian Paso Horse Breeders and Owners Association of Trujillo also get in on the festivities, so keep an eye out for Paso horses dancing the Marinera on September 29.