EST & PARTY CALENDAR

January 1st to 6th: Typical Jesus nativity exhibits in Churches and homes around Cusco.

January 6th: the "Descent of the Three Wise Men", this is an important religious festival that takes place in Ollantaytambo.

February (exact dates can change): The "The Parents Carnival" celebration is held in the different towns of The Sacred Valley of the Incas.

March (dates can change) Easter: The Procession of the Lord of the Earthquakes on Holy Monday and also other processions during the week as well as Eucharist exhibits; 23rd: The Spanish Regimentation of the City of Cusco.

May 2nd: "Velacuy Cross": The day of the catholic crosses in Cusco and in almost every andean village, the festivities will even last until the 4th of May (the dates may also vary between May and June) The Lord of Qoyllurití Festival, on the mountain of Sinakhara which is the Ocongate; it includes a pilgrimage.

June (9 weeks after Holy Thursday): The Corpus Cristi. There are many processions of various Saints and Virgins from the various parishes of Cusco accompanied by dancers being held. Fruit and typical dishes are sold on Plateros Street (the street parallel to Ecopackers). The most recognized dish for these celebrations is "Chiri Uchu"; Sunday before the 24th: Parent Festivity in the Wiracocha Temple in the town of Raqchi, the district of San Pedro province of Canchis; 24th: Inti Raymi Ceremony, it takes place in the fortress of Saqsayhuaman and is the most important ceremony, that dates back to the time of the Incas: the "Festival of the Sun". 29th: San Pedro and San Pablo Festival in the San Pedro parish in Cusco and in the other districts from the parishes of Canchis.

July 16th: The great religious festivity of the Virgin of El Carmen in the town of Paucartambo as well as in Pisac; 25th to 29th, the Coffee Festival in Quillabamba.

August (last Sunday of the month): The "Warachikuy" Inca Festival performance in the fortress of Saqsayhuaman.

September 14th: The Lord of Huanca Festival. It includes the pilgrimage from the city of Cusco as well as the Livestock Festival in the town of San Salvador; 30th: The San Jeronimo Festival in the district of San Jeronimo, Tourist week, with different sports and cultural activities.

October 4th: San Francisco Festival in Tinta, Urcos, and Maras.

November 1st: The Day of All Souls, visitis to the cementary; 2nd: the day of All Saints. The sale of bread in shape of "wawas" (dolls) and "caballitos" (small horses) in the streets, also "lechon" (baby succulent pig) and "tamales" (typical corn bread).

December 19th: Gastronomic Festival in Andahuaylillas, 24th: The Santuranticuy Festival (the purchase of Saints), exhibition and sale of art crafts in the Main Square of Cusco; 25th: the birth of Jesus.

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