Christmas in Peru

Are you thinking on where to spend your Christmas vacation. Peru is a country where the majority of the population is Roman Catholic and, therefore, Christmas is widely celebrated. In fact, come December, it’s not uncommon to walk the streets of the capital Lima or other large cities such as Cusco and Arequipa and witness the hanging of lights and decorations. Traditions abound and locals become more festive; think massive nativity scenes, pisco, fireworks and family traditions with amazing food.

It may not be a white Christmas, but Christmas in Peru is celebrated with gusto and a unique cultural spin for travelers visiting from around the world. Read on to discover how Christmas is celebrated in Peru.

Catholicism in Peru

How did an Andean nation, recognized as the center of the Inca culture— which was largely pagan and worshiped a pantheon of gods— become largely Catholic?

Once conquered by the Spanish in 1532, Inca beliefs would soon be replaced by Roman Catholicism. Spanish missionaries arrived in the 16th Century and, despite ongoing revolt and rebellion from indigenous peoples, Catholicism would be the only religion allowed in the country until the 20th Century.

Today there is great religious freedom in Peru however it is estimated that at least 70% of the country is Catholic. This has a great influence on Peru’s social and political life, not to mention the festivities carried out during Christmas time.

Decorations at Christmas time

All over Peru, you will see in public parks and in front of churches, large nativity scenes (Nacimiento’s) developed throughout the month of December.  Joseph and Mary appear, surrounded by llamas, alpaca and other animals in wait for the revelation of the Niño, baby Jesus. The revelation takes place at midnight on December 24.

If you are lucky enough to get the chance to spend Christmas or the weeks leading up to the holiday with a local family, you will be amazed by the effort that goes into creating a handmade nativity set.

In Cusco, a historic art and craft market, which began in the 1500s, takes place every year on December 24. Artisans and vendors from the provinces converge on the Plaza de Armas bringing moss, herbs, painted figurines of saints, llamas, alpacas and much more.

Christmas trees are becoming more common in Peru. In Lima, many district parks will deck out and light up an artificial tree as well as a nativity set.

For a unique Christmas experience in Peru

Surround yourself with snowcapped mountains on Christmas in the Sacred Valley near Cusco. The Sacred Valley (Valle Sagrado) cradles an expansive countryside, lush with native crops. The areas feature small towns that are surrounded by terraced hills and majestic mountain peaks.

In this peaceful and laidback section of southern Peru, enjoy the quiet travel and the local culture, ancient history and nature. During the month of December, the Sacred Valley turns a vibrant green, fed by rainfall and the Andean sun. Be ready to experience all kinds of weather and landscapes!

Take a luxurious train ride to Machu Picchu, located in the high jungle, and be awestruck by the ingenious skill of the Incas. In the evening, return to your boutique hotel for a gourmet dinner or enjoy a nightcap outside your private suite as you gaze upon the soothing gardens illuminated by moonlight.

La Noche Buena

While the big day for those celebrating Christmas is usually December 25, the main Christmas celebrations in Peru begin the day before. December 24 is referred to as La Noche Buena (Good Night) and is centered around religious activity.

If you can’t imagine eating a big meal at midnight, consider that many Peruvians won’t go to bed until hours afterward. Typically celebrated with extended family members, the youngest family members continue to open and exchange gifts while elders pour the champagne and enjoy a joyful family moment.

Throughout December, fireworks light up the skies in Peru as locals seemingly can’t hold in their excitement for the big day. On Noche Buena, the fireworks really make a big bang, with the colorful explosions sometimes carrying on for hours into the night.

In true Latin style, Christmas celebrations in Peru carry on into the wee hours. Unsurprisingly, the streets are hushed come Christmas afternoon, as many are sleeping or nursing a hangover, this can be a beautiful moment to take a walk with the family.

Christmas feast in Peru

Peru is the gastronomic capital of South America, but long before the nation was showered with international culinary awards existed the tradition of the bountiful Christmas feast.

Roasted turkey typically takes center stage, though it is not uncommon to see lechon (roast pork) instead of or in addition to the bird. Depending on the region (and even the family) side dishes can include tamales, arroz árabe (a variation of Arabic rice, typically with nuts, raisins and spices), applesauce, Russian beet salad (ensalada rusa) and the beloved aji sauce.

Champagne and pisco cocktails are served for the adults while the children usually drink hot chocolate. Even the hot chocolate in Peru is extraordinary, taken to another level with the addition of cloves and cinnamon. Many households will cook up a big pot of chocolate caliente on purpose so as to have leftovers for breakfast along with a slice of Panetón.

What’s Panetón you ask? It’s Peru’s answer to the fruitcake the locals eat it almost religiously during the holiday season.

The Weather at Christmas Time

Depending on what part of Peru you are visiting at Christmas time, the weather will be quite different. If you are in the capital of Peru, Lima, you will experience warm dry days and temperate nights. If you plan to travel to the highlands of Peru among the magnificent Andes then this is considered the wet season. The days will be cold and wet and the nights will be cold. Do not let this put you off as the city of Cusco is still beautiful in the wet season.

Finally

Experience the magic of Christmas like never before in Peru, where festive traditions blend with the rich cultural heritage of the Andes, the Amazon, and the coast. Contact Wayna Trekkers for more information about Christmas in Peru.