Peru is a multicultural country, a leading country in world gastronomy, a country with more natural, mineral and ichthyological resources, a country with the largest number of ecological niches in the world, which makes it possible to boast a great biological diversity and avifauna.
Likewise, the traditions, customs and beliefs of the Peruvian population are varied according to the idiosyncrasy of each region, most Peruvians practice the Catholic religion and many of them also maintain the Andean religion, as the pillar of their beliefs and lifestyle dating from ancient times, thus balancing the existing relationship between tolerance and acceptance of the clash of two worlds.
Christmas is one of the most important religious festivities of the Catholic faith, whose celebration in different regions and cities of the country is characterized by its own elements introduced, for example:
IN LIMA, the days before Christmas are a feast of celebrations and festivities in the parks of the city, children and adult choirs sing Christmas carols, while local commerce is intensified, stores are decorated with Christmas elements whose lights illuminate the whole city; a peculiar custom in the celebration of “Christmas Eve” on December 24, is the sharing of dinner, with turkey, tamales and exchange of gifts, all this with joyful Christmas music that fill Peruvian homes with love.
IN AYACUCHO, the celebrations are well known for its “Festival of Lights”, some streets are illuminated with paper lanterns and candles, outdoor theatrical performances that tell Christmas stories, uniting families in a festive spirit, the festival is lived with crafts, dances and a magnificent descent of Kings, highlighting the cultural richness in the Sierra of Peru, the highlights of the Christmas celebration in Ayacucho, are: Christmas music with the sounds of harps, violins and quenas, as well as the decoration of Andean straw cribs and clay figures in houses and streets.
IN AREQUIPA, the Plaza de Armas and the Cathedral look impressive with lights and Christmas decorations, you can enjoy a night walk in the Arequipa countryside and contemplate the majestic Misti volcano illuminated by the moon.
IN CUSCO, every December 23rd and 24th, the Plaza Mayor shows all the cultural and religious richness of the city, celebrating on the eve of Christmas, the famous traditional fair called “el Santurantikuy”, the word is a combination of Spanish and quechua language that means “Sale of Saints”. In this fair you can find nativity scenes, Andean religious figures, popular art, incense and other Andean ornaments, the visitor can observe, as well as be part of the Andean rituals and Christian practices; material and immaterial cultural elements that are a jewel at international level and the hallmark of our city. The city of Cusco, boasting an unsurpassed historical heritage and unparalleled natural beauty, stands as a most charming destination during the Christmas season, offering a space where the past and present intertwine to commemorate the peace, family unity and hope that emanate from the festivity.
The Santurantikuy, or the fair for the sale of Saints, has persisted as a bastion of regional culture since the 16th century. This historic fair, declared Cultural Heritage of the Nation on September 22, 2009, is an exquisite manifestation of the Andean and Catholic cultural confluence, renowned for its figures of saints and the iconic image of the ‘Niño Manuelito’. Not only are there religious works of art, but also the flavors of the region come to life with the offer of its typical gastronomy such as beef, chicken and cow heart anticuchos, regional sweets, Christmas panettone and the invitation to savor the popular “ponche de habas and/or almonds”, a drink representative of the warmth of Cusco. The fair attracts crowds, from shoppers to curious spectators; all are immersed in the cultural effervescence that extends throughout the day, between the bustle of the day and the magic of the night, bringing together hundreds of artisans from multiple regions that offer their beautiful and colorful works such as the famous “Niños manuelitos” typical works in ceramic or plaster representing the baby Jesus with Cusquenian style, Along with this beautiful work of art, we can also mention the “toritos’ de Pucará” Hispanic element of great symbolism for the western culture and adopted by the Andean culture as icons of Peruvian popular art; Another element that is added are the famous “illusions or amulets”, small ornaments made of wool, wood, stone or plaster that capture the desires and dreams of the community, are highly appreciated by those who receive them as gifts of good luck and prosperity.
IN PUNO, Christmas is received with the great “Children’s Fair ‘ or the ’Wawaqhatu”, in this activity you can see a giant Christmas tree very well illuminated, the birth made with reeds from Lake Titicaca, also the representation of the birth of the baby Jesus in his manger made of the same plant fiber of the reeds, clothing and other ornaments of the Virgin Mary and St. Joseph, made with materials native to the region; the fair is very picturesque where you can find a great variety of decorated nativity scenes, made with different techniques of the region.
