Traditions and Customs: New Year rituals in Cusco

As in other parts of the world, in Cusco the end of one year and the beginning of another is experienced in a special way. However, here, Andean rituals and traditions stand out, unique to this region. These practices combine respect for ancestral customs with superstitions and wishes for prosperity, making the welcoming of the new year an experience full of meaning and renewed energy.

Pachamama thanksgiving

In Cusco, the despachos or thanksgiving to the Pachamama (Mother Earth) is a very important ritual. Offerings that include coca leaves, flowers and seeds are burned in a bonfire as a symbol of gratitude and to ask for prosperity in the coming year.

This is still the case today, and that is why the inhabitants of the region carry their coca leaves in their chuspas, which are small wool or leather bags, to fulfill this tradition that involves knowing about the future and their ancestral beliefs.

The 12 grapes at midnight

Eating 12 grapes is one of the best known traditions. The custom consists of placing 12 green grapes in a glass and, right at midnight, eating them one by one, making a wish with each grape. Each grape represents a month of the year, symbolizing hope and good omens.

Underwear yellow

According to popular belief, wearing yellow underwear on New Year's Eve attracts prosperity, abundance and good fortune. However, other colors also have special meanings:

• Red: Love and passion. It is believed to attract intense and lasting relationships.
• Green: Hope, money and balance.
• White: Purity and renewal.

This tradition is most effective if the underwear is a gift. Also, in local markets, they are sometimes sold with prints of popular phrases.

Burning of rag dolls

Burning of rag dolls takes place at the beginning of the new year. These dolls, usually made of old clothes and stuffed with sawdust, represent the bad energies or negative influences that one wishes to leave behind. Alternatively, you can buy one at piñata shops, where they often add faces of Peruvian celebrities like soccer players or artists. Burning them symbolizes purification and a new beginning.

The charm of fortune

During the New Year Cusco, the following amulets are very popular to attract good fortune:

• Money charms: Bouquets decorated with ears of wheat and counterfeit bills (soles or dollars) symbolizing economic abundance.
• Ekeko Doll: This Andean God of abundance carries small bags with food, goods and money. It is traditional to light a cigarette as an offering to ask for prosperity.
• Huayruros: Red and black seeds that represent protection, fortune and well-being. They are usually used in bracelets on the left hand (Andean belief that the left side is connected to the heart), necklaces or amulets in the house.
• Lentils: Associated with abundance, they are kept in small jars or placed in pockets, purses and wallets to attract prosperity.

Flourishing Ritual Baths with yellow flowers

Generally performed by healers or some type of shaman, who bathes people with an infusion of branches, plants, and exotic flowers to cleanse themselves of bad energies spiritually. This purifying liquid is sprayed from head to toe while the healer or shaman pronounces words that invoke protection and good omens.

Mistura Amarilla

The yellow color is the most representative of this festivity, being the protagonist of the New Year. The Cusqueños spread yellow mistura (yellow papers) in the corners of their houses. In addition, vases are decorated with bunches of yellow flowers which should include male and female rue, adorned with banknotes and ears of wheat.

Lighting Colored Candles

Lighting colored candles during New Year's Eve is a spiritual tradition in Cusco that seeks to attract positive energy and cleanse the home of bad vibes. These candles are associated with specific intentions and are linked to the archangels, who represent virtues and blessings. The smoke from these candles, combined with the use of palo santo, spreads protection and purification.

• 🔵Blue: protection and spiritual strength (Archangel Michael).
• 🟡Yellow: wisdom and progress (Archangel Jophiel).
• 🔴Red: love and devotion (Archangel Chamuel).
• ⚪White: purity and humility (Archangel Gabriel).
• 🟢Green: healing and health (Archangel Raphael).
• 🟠Orange: healing and grace (Archangel Uriel).
• 🟣Violet: change and forgiveness (Archangel Zadkiel).

Running around the Plaza de Armas

At midnight, hundreds of people run around the Plaza de Armas in Cusco. This ritual symbolizes leaving behind the negatives of the year that is ending and attracting good luck for the new year. Some attendees carry a suitcase as a symbolic gesture of their desire to travel during the coming year, a practice that has gained popularity among locals and tourists.

For those who cannot attend the Plaza de Armas, this tradition is easily adapted: many people run with suitcases around their neighborhood.

What to do in Cusco during New Year?

Known as “The navel of the world”, Cusco is one of the unique destinations to celebrate the new year. Here are some places you can visit on New Year's Eve or to welcome the New Year.

New Year's Eve in the Plaza de Armas

Fireworks abound throughout the city of Cusco. From early evening, the Plaza de Armas in Cusco is lit up not only by the fireworks from the municipality but also by all the fireworks lit by the many people who attend. In addition, there is traditional music for those dates and typical folkloric dances from the region.

When December 31 is almost over and the new year is near, there is a famous tradition of walking or running around the Plaza de Armas counterclockwise. When the clock strikes midnight, people join hands and begin to walk around the square.

If you have the privilege of being there at that moment, you should follow the slow or fast pace, sharing that collective emotion of following the reverse course of time to welcome the new year that begins.

Visit the Markets of Cusco

Strolling through Cusco's local markets is a must on your trip and even more so on New Year's Eve. In the San Pedro market and temporary markets in the center, you will find amulets and cabals (false bills and huayruros), traditional decorations. and local gastronomy.

⏭️Read more: The best Markets in Cusco

Visiting Machu Picchu

Visiting Machu Picchu, the 1st January is feeling and breathing an unparalleled experience celebrating the New Year in one of the most impressive places in the world. Although it requires planning, receiving the sunrise in this magical place will fill you with energy and hope for the new year. Please note, it is recommended to reserve and obtain your tickets in advance as these dates tend to sell out quickly.

⏭️Read more: Exploring Machu Picchu in December

Visiting The Sacred Valley

The Sacred Valley at New Year's is sharing the glorious past of the Incas, an unforgettable experience in which you will appreciate extraordinary pre-Hispanic cults in an environment of profound spirituality and absorption of ancient energy. Not only will you understand impressive archaeological sites, but you will also experience the living traditions of the region, of the cult of the Sun, or Inti, and the Pachamama in rituals and traditions that will leave you with a deep sense of life as such.

Saqsayhuaman

The fortress of Saqsayhuaman is one of the most important archaeological sites in the city of Cusco and during these dates it becomes a spiritual place since offerings are made to the Pachamama (offerings of coca leaves, flowers, seeds, chicha de jora and others), rituals of energetic cleansing, meditation and spiritual connection.

Bars and nightclubs in the historic center

Cusco offers a lively nightlife. Places like Mythology, Chango Club and Llama Path organize thematic parties to say goodbye to the year. You will dance to a variety of music, from electronic to Latin rhythms, surrounded by travelers from all over the world. Important tip: stay safe and avoid accepting drinks from strangers.

Panoramic view of the city

The Plaza de Armas will be one of the busiest spots during these dates, so an excellent alternative to enjoy the fireworks is to go up to the viewpoints of the city. Places like the Mirador de Cristo Blanco, San Blas or the Mirador de San Cristobal are ideal to admire how the fireworks illuminate the night sky, while contemplating a spectacular view of Cusco. If you are looking for an even more strategic and quiet place, you can head to Qenqo. Don't forget to bring a hot drink or a Cusco punch to make this moment even more special and cozy.

Traditional Gastronomy during the New Year

Food is a significant protagonist in New Year celebrations throughout Peru, with each region having its specialties. In the Andes, Cusco, traditional dishes are usually prepared, such as:

Traditional dishes

Roast suckling pig

This delicious dish is a must on Cusco's tables during Christmas. It is traditionally prepared with a suckling pig (young pig) marinated with spices and baked in the oven. It is served with tamales, potato pie and fresh salad.

Stuffed rocoto

Stuffed rocoto is originally from Arequipa, but has earned its place on the tables of Cusco. This rocoto, previously washed and boiled to reduce its spiciness, is stuffed with ground meat, peanuts and vegetables such as carrots and peas. Finally, it is fried with a batter of beaten egg and flour.

Cuy chactado

The symbol of Andean food, cuy chactado is a traditional dish. It is generally seasoned only with huacatay and ajo molino. It is usually accompanied with baked potatoes and chili sauce.

Humitas

Humitas are prepared with ground corn and steamed wrapped in corn husks. In Cusco, they are usually prepared in two flavors: sweet and salty. The sweet one has a raisin and the salty one has a piece of cheese. These humitas usually accompany dishes such as guinea pig chactado and suckling pig. 

Pachamanca

Potatoes and meat cooked in a kind of underground oven) a typical specialty of the Cusco.

Chiriuchu

In Cusco, the emblematic dish for the New Year is Chiri Uchu, a cold dish in which different meats (guinea pig, chicken, chorizo) and vegetables are mixed and eaten cold. Its origin dates back to the time of the Incas and, of course, with some ingredients added from the time of the Viceroyalty.

⏭️Read More: Peruvian food favorites

Traditional beverages

Chicha de Jora

The chicha de jora is an ancestral drink (sacred offering of the Incas to their gods) from the Andean region, made from germinated corn (wiñapu). The result is a brew with a slightly acidic flavor and very low in alcohol that refreshes you.

Peruvian Beer

Beer is an essential companion during the New Year in Cusco. Cusqueña, with its Negra version, stands out for its intense flavor, ideal for festive dishes, while craft beers such as those of Sacred Valley.

Pisco Sour

The pisco sour is prepared with pisco, egg whites, lemon juice, and syrup, and adding ice is optional.

⏭️Read more: 10 Peruvian Drinks

Tips to enjoy New Year in Cusco

Here is a list of straightforward tips to make your New Year experience the best and most unforgettable:

• As with any trip you plan, make all reservations well in advance.
• Bring the appropriate clothing to keep you warm, due to the cold and possible rain.
• Remember to come and witness and even participate in local traditions.
• Remember to enjoy the local cuisine, both in dishes and drinks.
• Enjoy the entire city and its surroundings.
• Have everything at hand for your health and your physical and mental well-being.
• You must also maintain an open-minded attitude toward all the customs and traditions of Peru because they are a fundamental part of its historical and cultural legacy.

So, finally, why spend New Year in Cusco?

Spending New Year's in a different place may seem like a challenge, but celebrating in Cusco is an experience you will certainly not forget. The warmth of the people of Cusco, the energy of its cobblestone streets full of history and the unique traditions you will discover will make you feel like part of this land. In fact, you will be able to delight yourself with exquisite typical dishes, delicious drinks and witness a living culture that, over the years, has been able to preserve and transmit its customs and values.

Celebrating New Year in Cusco is much more than just turning the page on the calendar; it’s an experience that bridges the past and the present. Renewal rituals with candles and palo santo, traditional meals paired with pisco sour, and welcoming the sunrise at iconic locations like Machu Picchu capture the essence of Andean wisdom and renewal. Cusco invites everyone to live its one-of-a-kind traditions and take magic memories.