The Carnival in Cusco is a celebration full of color, joy, and unity. This festivity, enjoyed with enthusiasm throughout the region, is a blend of cultural expressions, music, dances, and traditional flavors that have been preserved over time. Although each town has its own way of celebrating, there are customs common to many Cusco communities, reflecting the festive spirit that characterizes these dates.
The Carnival has both Andean and European roots. With the arrival of the Spaniards, elements of the European carnival, such as parades and masks, were incorporated into the local festivities that Andean peoples already held in honor of nature and agricultural cycles. This fusion created a unique festival that still maintains a strong identity today.
The date of the Carnival varies each year, as it follows the Catholic liturgical calendar, coinciding with the days leading up to Lent. In Cusco, the celebrations usually extend over several weeks, starting with the "compadres and comadres" and culminating in the central celebrations.
One of the most anticipated moments is Compadres' Thursday and Comadres' Thursday. During these dates, friends and family exchange gifts and symbolic tokens such as dough dolls adorned with elements representing everyday life. This day is ideal for strengthening friendships and sharing joyful moments.
In many communities, gatherings are organized where music, food, and, of course, water games—an essential part of Cusco's Carnival—are never missing.
One of the most emblematic traditions is the yunza, also known as cortamonte. It consists of planting a tree decorated with gifts, balloons, and streamers in the middle of a square or open space. Attendees dance around it while, one by one, they take turns cutting the trunk with a machete until it falls, at which point everyone rushes to collect the gifts.
Each community has its own style of yunza, and in some places, competitions are held to choose the best decoration or the largest yunza.
During Carnival, it is common to see groups of young and older people playing with water, talcum powder, foam, and colored paints. These games are a collective form of fun and a way to relieve everyday tensions.
In neighborhoods and communities, the streets fill with people who participate in these games with joy and enthusiasm, although it is always recommended to be mindful of those who do not wish to participate.
The Cusco Carnival is accompanied by traditional music performed by troupes that roam the streets playing instruments such as quenas, charangos, and drums. Dances such as "Qashwa" and "Carnaval Cusqueño" bring energy to the celebrations, with agile steps and colorful outfits that reflect the region's cultural identity.
Each district and community usually has its own band of musicians who liven up the festivities, creating a festive atmosphere that lasts until late at night.
No festivity would be complete without traditional food. During the Carnival in Cusco, it is customary to enjoy dishes such as:
In the communities near Ausangate Mountain, the Carnival has a deep spiritual meaning. Ceremonies of gratitude to the apus (sacred mountains) and Pachamama (Mother Earth) are performed, accompanied by traditional music and native dances such as the "Ch’unchu". Here, Carnival is an opportunity to strengthen the relationship with the land and protective spirits.
The celebrations include yunza competitions, where villagers decorate trees with local products such as potatoes, chuño, and textiles, highlighting their lifestyle based on agriculture and livestock.
In Calca, the Carnival is an explosion of joy with troupes parading through the main streets to the rhythm of the "Carnaval Calqueño", a traditional dance performed with quenas and drums. The locals participate in water and talcum games, along with the traditional compadres and comadres meetings.
The "Puchero Calqueño", the emblematic dish of the festival, is prepared in large quantities and shared at family gatherings, strengthening community bonds.
In Urubamba, the celebration is characterized by its family and community spirit. Comparsas and bands roam the streets, encouraging people to join the festivities, while families prepare typical dishes such as lechón and tamales.
Urubamba's Carnival stands out for its yunza competitions and colorful costumes, which residents carefully craft months in advance. Water games are intense in this area, involving both young and old.
In Espinar province, the Carnival has a strong influence from the Q’ero culture. Traditional dances such as the "Kashwa Espinarense" take place, where dancers wear colorful outfits and masks representing local historical figures.
The celebrations include rituals of gratitude to the earth, where offerings of coca leaves, chicha de jora, and agricultural products are made. Horse races and sports tournaments are also part of the festive program.
Although each town celebrates differently, common elements across many Cusco communities include:
If you plan to experience Carnival in these communities, it is recommended to:
Each Cusco community offers a unique Carnival experience where culture and joy come together to provide an unforgettable celebration.
More blog: Cusco Festivals 2025
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