Carnivals in Cusco are one of Peru’s most anticipated and iconic celebrations. Held between February and March, the festival date changes yearly based on the liturgical calendar, kicking off a season filled with music, dance, and ancestral traditions. During this time, Cusco bursts into life with joy and color, offering both locals and visitors a chance to experience cultural activities that highlight the region’s rich heritage.
The essence of Carnivals in Cusco
Cusco’s carnival is a vibrant cultural expression that brings the entire community together. The celebration kicks off with pre-festival activities in local neighborhoods, where groups organize dance troupes and rehearse traditional performances.
One of the most iconic traditions is the "yunza" or "cortamonte," where a tree decorated with gifts becomes the centerpiece of the celebration. People gather around it, dancing and taking turns cutting the tree until it falls, releasing the prizes and symbolizing prosperity and good fortune. Another key feature of Cusco’s carnival is the playful yet respectful use of water, talcum powder, and colorful confetti, representing purification and renewal.
When are the Carnivals in Cusco 2026?
Cusco’s 2026 carnival will occur on Saturday, February 15, at the iconic Plaza de Armas, starting at 9:00 AM.
Key pre-carnival festivities include:
- Comadres Day: February 5
- Compadres Day: February 12
- Kacharpari (Farewell Celebration): Sunday, February 22, 2026
The main celebration
On the central day of the festival, the Plaza de Armas becomes the heart of the celebration. Public and private institutions gather to showcase an impressive cultural display. Dance troupes, traditional ensembles, and colorful parades fill the square, bringing to life vibrant costumes and choreographies that reflect the deep-rooted culture of the region.
Many of these groups have earned recognition in prestigious carnival festivals across the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the Southern Valley, ensuring a top-tier spectacle for all attendees.
The infectious rhythms of Andean music, lively huaynos, and melodies performed by local bands create an irresistible atmosphere. Both locals and tourists join in the festivities, dancing and celebrating in a collective spirit of joy and unity.
Water and paint games
Young people and adults eagerly take part in playful battles with water, talcum powder, and confetti. This lively tradition goes beyond fun—it symbolizes purification and renewal, filling the streets with laughter and color.
Parades and contests
Dance troupes fill the streets, competing to showcase their best performances, colorful costumes, and traditional choreography that reflect the rich cultural heritage of Cusco.
Yunza or cortamonte
A tree decorated with gifts stands at the center of the celebration, drawing everyone into a circle of dance and music. With each swing of the axe, excitement builds until the tree finally falls, sending people rushing to grab the gifts. This moment brings joy and represents prosperity for the year ahead.
Compadres and Comadres Festival in Cusco
Compadres’ Day: A humorous tribute
On Compadres’ Thursday, women take the spotlight by creating rag dolls humorously representing the men in their lives. These dolls called compadres, wear borrowed men's clothes, which women cleverly "acquire" the day before. The dolls are hung on poles, balconies, plazas, and markets in Cusco, accompanied by witty signs that highlight exaggerated or funny traits of the men, sparking laughter and conversation among neighbors. The celebration continues with lively gatherings where women treat the men to music, dancing, and traditional food in a warm and cheerful atmosphere.
Comadres’ Day: A playful revenge
One week later, it’s the men’s turn to return the favor on Comadres’ Thursday. They craft rag dolls dressed in women’s clothing, also humorously "borrowed" in a lighthearted manner. These dolls appear in key spots around the city, accompanied by satirical messages that playfully highlight the women's quirks and traits, all in the spirit of fun and mutual respect.
To wrap up the day, men organize special events for the women, filled with music, traditional dances, and delicious Peruvian gastronomy Cusquenian dishes, ensuring a joyful and festive atmosphere.
The playful exchange between compadres and comadres represents harmony between men and women and highlights the importance of sharing laughter and joy before the grand carnival begins.
 |  |
The grand finale (remate) of Carnivals in Cusco
The grand finale (remate) of Carnival in Cusco, known as kacharpari, marks the end of one of Peru’s most vibrant and cherished celebrations. This special event takes place on the Sunday following the main carnival day, bringing locals and visitors together once again for a day filled with music, dance, games, and traditions that strengthen Andean cultural identity. Streets, plazas, and neighborhoods transform into lively stages, where the community celebrates unity and bids farewell to the festivities with hope for the year ahead.
What to expect? » One of the most anticipated moments is the reenactment of the yunza or cortamonte, a cherished tradition where a tree decorated with gifts stands in community spaces and plazas. As music fills the air, participants dance around the tree, taking turns to chop it down little by little. Once it falls, people rush to grab the hanging gifts, sharing laughter and excitement in a symbolic gesture of abundance and good fortune.
Carnival beyond Cusco city
Carnival festivities aren’t limited to the city of Cusco. In the surrounding provinces, the celebration takes on unique characteristics, enriching the festival with cultural diversity and local traditions.
- Sacred Valley of the Incas (Pisac, Calca, Lamay, and Urubamba): These towns celebrate with ancient dances and food fairs where visitors can enjoy traditional Andean dishes.
- Southern Valley (San Jerónimo, Oropesa, and Tinta): Famous for the Carnaval de Tinta, where women take center stage, showcasing a rich cultural heritage rooted in both Inca and colonial times.
- Quillabamba: Thanks to its warm climate, the festivities here feature lively water festivals, energetic parades, and markets offering exotic local products.
What to eat at the Carnivals in Cusco?
No celebration in Cusco is complete without its traditional cuisine. During Carnival, a special gastronomic festival takes place, offering some of the region's most iconic dishes.
One of the highlights is puchero or t’impu, a hearty stew made with beef, lamb, and Andean vegetables such as potatoes, cabbage, and chickpeas, complemented by sweet additions like peaches and pears. This flavorful dish is seen as a symbol of abundance and prosperity. The celebration wouldn’t be complete without chicha de jora or frutillada, a traditional fermented corn drink that perfectly accompanies the feast.
Carnival in Cusco today
The spirit of Cusco’s Carnival remains strong, thriving in both urban areas and rural communities. In the city, streets come alive with colorful decorations and playful dolls, while older neighborhoods host traditional events like dance competitions and Quechua performances, preserving the essence of the festival.
Despite the passage of time, Cusco’s Carnival continues to blend ancient traditions with modern influences, offering a unique experience for those eager to immerse themselves in Andean culture. Whether it’s the music, food, or the infectious joy of the people, this celebration stands as a testament to a community that proudly keeps its heritage alive.
FAQs About Carnivals in Cusco
What are the origins of the carnivals in Cusco?
The carnivals in Cusco grew from the blending of two traditions. On one side, they preserve elements of the Christian carnival celebrated before Lent. On the other, they include ancient Andean customs connected to farming, fertility, the arrival of the rainy season, community life, and courtship. Over time, these traditions came together to create a celebration with its own character, where music, games, dancing, and community gatherings are just as important as the religious calendar.
What does “puqllay” mean, and how is it connected to the Cusco Carnival?
The Quechua word “puqllay” means “play,” but during carnival season it has a broader meaning. It describes a time to gather, dance, compete, joke, and strengthen relationships within the community. It can also include courtship songs and friendly challenges between groups or dance troupes. This helps explain why the Cusco Carnival is not simply a show to watch. Traditionally, it is a celebration in which people take part, and play becomes an important part of community life and renewal.
Do I need to buy tickets for the carnivals in Cusco?
You normally do not need a ticket to watch the main parade or the performances held in the Plaza de Armas because they take place in public spaces. However, there is no assigned seating, and the areas with the best views can fill up quickly. It is best to arrive early, stay clear of the parade route, and check the official program before heading out. Some additional events held at private venues may have their own entry requirements.
What should I wear to the carnivals in Cusco?
Rain is common during carnival season, and the weather can change quickly, so dressing in layers is a good idea. Bring a waterproof jacket or lightweight poncho, quick-drying clothes, and closed shoes with non-slip soles. Avoid delicate clothing because water fights, talcum powder, and confetti are common. It is also helpful to carry a dry pair of socks and sunscreen. Even on cloudy days, the sun can feel strong because of Cusco’s high altitude.
Can the carnivals affect traffic and tours departing from Cusco?
The main activities take place in the Plaza de Armas and along several streets in the Historic Center, so you should expect road closures, heavier traffic, and limited vehicle access at certain times of day. Parade routes and schedules may change each year. If you have an airport transfer, train journey, or scheduled tour, confirm your pickup point in advance and allow extra travel time. On narrow streets, the vehicle may not be able to reach your hotel entrance, and you may need to walk to a nearby road because of the crowds and parade groups in the city center.
How can I join the carnival without making other people uncomfortable?
You are welcome to join the celebration, but first check whether the other person wants to take part in the games. Not everyone wants to be sprayed with water or covered in talcum powder, especially people traveling with young children, carrying electronic equipment, or simply watching the festivities. Avoid blocking the parade groups, touching costumes, or standing too close to musicians. Ask permission before taking a close-up portrait. Keep your phone, documents, and money in a waterproof bag, and keep your backpack closed while moving through the crowds.
Add new comment