Cusco carnivals 2026 – Overflowing joy and contagious music
The Cusco carnivals are an explosion of joy, color, and tradition celebrated throughout the region. Each community offers its own unique style: distinctive costumes, vibrant dances, and customs that have survived the passage of time. It is an experience that connects visitors with the essence of the Andean people, where music, playful games with water and flowers, and collective energy turn Cusco into an unforgettable stage of festivity and living culture.
Experiencing the Cusco carnivals means immersing yourself in a celebration of color and joy that becomes an unforgettable memory.
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When is Carnival celebrated in Cusco 2026?
The traditional Cusco carnivals will take place on February 15.
Main dates of the Cusco Carnival celebrations
Compadres (February 5)
Compadres Day is celebrated in Cusco on the second Thursday of February, prior to Carnival. On this day, effigies representing the compadres are made and hung, honoring men with humor and tradition.
Comadres Day (February 12)
Comadres Day is celebrated in Cusco two weeks after Compadres Day. It is a celebration dedicated to women, during which effigies representing them are made and displayed, filling the pre-Carnival atmosphere with humor and tradition.
Carnival (February 15)
In every corner of Cusco, Carnival is celebrated with enthusiasm through colorful and traditional competitions showcasing typical dances, customs, and local gastronomy. The main day stands out for the classic water, flour, and streamer games, especially in the Plaza de Armas and other public spaces.
Closing of the Cusco Carnivals (K’acharpari)
During the Carnival closing festivities, celebrations continue in other provinces and districts that may not celebrate on the same date. Many communities hold their carnivals on the following Sunday, extending the festivities with games, competitions, and various cultural activities.
Main dish during the Cusco Carnivals
During Carnival in Cusco, it is customary to enjoy the famous T’impu or puchero, a traditional dish that represents the essence of Andean cuisine. This hearty meal is prepared with a variety of ingredients such as potatoes, corn, meat, cabbage, cassava, carrots, sweet potatoes, and rice, all served with a flavorful broth that enhances its taste.
T’impu is not only food, but also a tradition that accompanies the joy of Cusco’s Carnival celebrations, becoming a symbol of unity and festivity.
Carnivals in the provinces of Cusco
Cusco carnivals are celebrated throughout the region, and in every province, district, or community, visitors can discover unique costumes and customs that have endured to this day. The celebration is filled with vibrant dances, colorful attire, and traditions that reflect the cultural diversity of each community, turning Carnival into a living spectacle of identity and joy.
Yunzada during the Cusco Carnivals
During the Cusco carnivals, the traditional Yunzada is celebrated: a tree loaded with gifts that participants take turns cutting down while dancing to the rhythm of the famous Qhaswas. The person who brings the tree down becomes the organizer of the following year’s celebration, ensuring that the tradition continues with music and joy.
Conclusion
Carnival in the imperial city of Cusco is a unique experience that goes beyond its main streets. As you travel through its provinces, you discover customs, traditions, and a diverse gastronomy that enrich the celebration. In every place, the excitement of the yunzas—trees adorned with gifts that become the heart of the festivity—is felt. All of this reflects a deeply rooted cultural identity, where the joy of the Cusco people is expressed through streamers, water, and music.
The Cusco Carnival is more than a celebration: it is a flagship tradition, a symbol of unity and pride, transforming Cusco into a vibrant stage of color, dance, and fun
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