Good to know
Good to Know
- Arequipa is known as the 'Cultural Oasis' of Peru due to its year-round traditional celebrations and festivities.
- The Virgin of Chapi pilgrimage in May is one of Peru's most significant Catholic events, with over 250,000 participants; plan transportation early if attending.
- FESTIDANZA (International Folklore Dances Festival) during the city anniversary features national and international folklore groups performing at the Coliseum.
- August fireworks display on the 14th in the Plaza de Armas is spectacular; arrive early to secure viewing spots.
- Holy Week processions feature elaborate flower carpets decorating streets—a stunning visual tradition unique to the city.
- The Grape Harvest Festival offers unique opportunities to sample local pisco and wines directly from producers.
- Most major events are free or have minimal entry fees; some religious processions are outdoor and fully accessible.
Events
Fiesta De La Virgen De Chapi (Virgin of Chapi Pilgrimage)
- Dates
- April 29 - May 2 (central day: May 1)
- Significance
- One of the most important Catholic religious events in Peru
- Description
- The largest religious festivity in the region, attracting approximately 250,000 worshippers from across Peru and neighboring countries. Devotees undertake a 15-hour pilgrimage on foot to the Sanctuary of Chapi, located 60 km south of Arequipa, where they participate in processions, fireworks, and celebrations honoring the patron saint of Arequipa.
Fiesta De La Virgen De La Candelaria
- Dates
- February 2
- Significance
- Important religious festivity and key festival in Arequipa's cultural calendar
- Description
- Religious celebration honoring the Virgin Mary under the protection of Candelaria. Events include processions, masses, folk dances, and other cultural manifestations held on the main streets with sales of local drinks.
Semana Santa (Holy Week)
- Dates
- Late March - Early April (varies by year)
- Significance
- Considered the most important traditional festival in Peru since colonial times
- Description
- Eight-day religious festival commemorating the passion, death, and resurrection of Christ. Features processions of religious images, traditional representations of the Passion, spectacular flower carpets adorning streets, and the procession of the Lord of the Sanctuary on Good Friday.
Aniversario De Arequipa (City Anniversary/Founding Day)
- Dates
- August 15
- Significance
- Major civic celebration highlighting city history, culture, and traditions
- Description
- Celebration of the city's foundation in 1540. Events include parades, beauty pageants, folkloric dance showcases, competitions on El Misti volcano, a large fireworks display in the Plaza de Armas on August 14, and the International Festival of Folklore Dances (FESTIDANZA), which runs August 16-19 with national and international folklore groups performing at the Coliseum.
Señor De Los Milagros (Lord of Miracles)
- Dates
- October
- Significance
- Major religious festival celebrated with particular fervor in Arequipa
- Description
- Major religious festival honoring an image of Christ known as the Lord of Miracles. The highlight is a grand procession where a large image is carried through the streets, accompanied by thousands of devotees in purple robes, with streets adorned in purple and white decorations symbolizing penance and purity. Includes religious ceremonies, art exhibitions, concerts, and cultural fairs.
Cosecha De Uva (Grape Harvest Festival)
- Dates
- March
- Significance
- One of the most anticipated events on Arequipa's calendar, showcasing local viticulture and cuisine
- Description
- Celebration of Arequipa's winemaking tradition and heritage. Features wine tastings of local reds, whites, and sparkling wines, pisco (grape brandy) tastings, local gastronomic products, and the traditional grape-treading ceremony performed by the festival queen.
Carnaval
- Dates
- February (dates vary annually)
- Significance
- Lively cultural event where families and friends celebrate together
- Description
- Colorful celebration featuring parades, music, and traditional dances. Groups dress in typical regional costumes and perform huayno (traditional Andean music) with characteristic troupes and couples.
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this signature annual events research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
More About Arequipa
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.