LIMA TRAVEL GUIDE. FESTIVALS AND EVENTS
Festivals and Events in Lima: A Month-by-Month Guide for Travelers
If you’re heading to Lima, you’re not just visiting Peru’s capital—you’re stepping into a city full of life, tradition, and celebrations. Every month, there’s something exciting happening, from food festivals and religious processions to parades and concerts.
Here’s a tourist-friendly, month-by-month guide to Lima’s yearly activities and events, with tips on how to make the most of each one.
January
January 18 – Lima’s Birthday
Lima was founded in 1535, and every year the city throws a big party! Fireworks, concerts, and cultural shows light up the Plaza Mayor and historic center.
Travel Tip: Head to the Plaza de Armas in the evening to enjoy live music and fireworks. It’s also a great chance to taste street food like anticuchos (beef skewers).
February
Carnival (Dates vary)
Carnival in Lima means colorful parades, dancing, and water games. While it’s smaller than in Cusco or Cajamarca, neighborhoods like Barranco hold fun celebrations.
Travel Tip: Go to Barranco’s main plaza for music and dance. Pack a poncho or quick-dry clothes—water balloons and sprays are common!
March / April
Holy Week (Semana Santa – Dates vary)
Churches across Lima host processions and reenactments of Christ’s Passion. It’s a quieter, spiritual time to see the city.
Travel Tip: The Lima Cathedral is the best place to experience the ceremonies. Dress modestly, and try the seasonal dessert mazamorra morada (purple corn pudding).
May
May 3 – Feast of the Crosses
Decorated crosses are placed in plazas and churches with music and community gatherings.
Corpus Christi (Late May)
A vibrant festival with processions and flower carpets in Lima’s historic center.
Travel Tip: For Corpus Christi, walk around the Plaza Mayor to see the flower decorations and taste local snacks like churros from street vendors.
June
June 29 – Feast of San Pedro and San Pablo
In fishing areas like Chorrillos and Callao, fishermen decorate their boats and join maritime processions.
Travel Tip: Visit the Chorrillos pier early in the morning to watch the boat blessing, then enjoy a seafood lunch—ceviche and jalea (fried seafood platter) are local favorites.
July
July 28 & 29 – Fiestas Patrias (Independence Day)
The whole country celebrates! In Lima, you’ll see parades, fireworks, folkloric dances, and the famous Gran Parada Militar (military parade).
Travel Tip: Book accommodation early, as it’s peak season. The military parade usually happens along Avenida Brasil—arrive early for a good spot.
Mistura Food Festival (dates vary)
South America’s most famous food festival, showcasing dishes from all over Peru. Sometimes held in September.
Travel Tip: Go hungry! Try Amazonian juanes, Arequipa’s rocoto relleno, and Lima’s own ceviche. Buy your tickets online to skip long lines.
August
August 30 – Santa Rosa de Lima Day
Thousands of pilgrims visit the Sanctuary of Santa Rosa to drop letters and prayers into the wishing well.
Travel Tip: If you want to see the tradition, arrive early in the morning. Combine your visit with a walk to the nearby Basilica of Santo Domingo, where Santa Rosa is buried.
September
Lima International Book Fair (mid-September)
One of Latin America’s biggest book events, with talks, workshops, and international authors.
Travel Tip: Even if you don’t read Spanish, many talks are in English, and the atmosphere is lively with coffee stands and cultural performances.
September 14 – Lord of Huanca Feast
Pilgrims gather in churches with processions and prayers.
Travel Tip: This is a smaller religious celebration, but it’s a good time to see local devotion if you’re near a church in central Lima.
October
Señor de los Milagros (All October)
Lima’s most important religious festival, drawing hundreds of thousands dressed in purple. Massive processions carry the sacred image of Christ through the city.
Travel Tip: Join the crowds in downtown Lima to see the processions. Don’t miss the special turrón de Doña Pepa, a sticky, sweet cake sold only in October.
October 31 – Day of Creole Music
Lima celebrates its own musical tradition with live shows in plazas, bars, and restaurants.
Travel Tip: Head to Barranco or Peña-style restaurants (folk music venues) to enjoy live Creole music and dance.
November
November 1 & 2 – All Saints’ Day & Day of the Dead
Families bring flowers and food to cemeteries to honor their loved ones.
Travel Tip: Take a guided night tour of the Presbítero Maestro Cemetery, one of the oldest and most beautiful in Latin America.
Lima Film Festival (early November)
Showcases international and Latin American cinema.
Travel Tip: Screenings are held at theaters like the PUCP Cultural Center. A great option if you want an artsy evening in Lima.
December
December 8 – Feast of the Immaculate Conception
Special masses are held across Lima’s churches.
December 24 & 25 – Christmas
Lima’s Christmas includes fireworks, nativity displays, and midnight family dinners.
Travel Tip: Visit Parque Kennedy in Miraflores for Christmas lights and street food. Restaurants offer special Christmas menus with turkey and panetón (Peruvian fruitcake).
December 31 – New Year’s Eve
Lima’s beaches, plazas, and clubs explode with fireworks and parties.
Travel Tip: For a lively night, head to Costa Verde’s beachfront clubs. For a family vibe, enjoy fireworks at Miraflores boardwalk. Wear yellow clothes for good luck!
Final Travel Advice
Plan your trip around July (Independence Day), October (Lord of Miracles), or December (Christmas & New Year’s) for the most energy and color.
Always confirm festival dates—some (like Mistura and Carnival) change yearly.
Join locals! Many celebrations include street food, music, and dancing - it’s the best way to experience Lima’s culture.
