Puno Cultural Calendar

February:

The Fiesta de la Virgen de la Candelaria, which orginally lasted for the first 40 days and nights after Christmas, is in fact an ancient tradition started by the Catholic church to “purify” the Virgen Mary. In addition to the fiesta, there was traditionally a solemn, blessed candle-lit procession, hence the name, Candelaria.

Today, the Virgen de la Candelaria Festival is the most important religious celebration in all of Peru, and includes numerous religious services, banquets, dances, contests, and a colorful procession that brings together hundreds of the faithful.

May:

The Alacitas y las Cruces Festival is unique event, staged at diverse fairs located on the main streets of each city, where locals make and sell miniature artisan handicrafts representing the object which one might desire: a house, car, money and so on. Bolivian artists also participate in this festival.

November:

The Founding Anniversary of Puno City is characterized by civic manifestations and school dance exhibitions throughout the city’s streets. November 5th represents the creation of the Inca Empire: the legend featuring the mythical pair Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo emerging from the sacred Lake Titicaca in search of lands upon which to found the Empire.