Everything you need to know about Cusco’s Jubilee Month

Have you ever wondered what Cusco’s Jubilee month in June is like and what festivities take place during this period? Get ready to find out! In this article, I’ll take you on an exciting journey through the most important festivities that take place in the historic city of Cusco during the Jubilee month – don’t miss it!

What is the Jubilee Month of Cusco?

The Cusco’s Jubilee month in June or also known as the festivities of Cusco is a time of celebration and pride for the people of Cusco. It commemorates the anniversary of the founding of the city of Cusco and is full of cultural, religious and folkloric events that reflect the rich history and traditions of this Peruvian region.

Emblematic Festivals of the Jubilee Month of Cusco

During Cusco’s Jubilee month in June, several festivals and events take place that attract visitors from all over the world. These celebrations include:

Offering to the Pachamama

In this ritual, the Pachamama or Mother Earth is honoured and thanked for her generosity, especially for the good harvests that guarantee food for the population and livestock. In addition, homage is paid to the “apus” or tutelary mountain spirits, such as Pachatusán and Salkantay, by offering them coca leaves and chicha as a symbol of gratitude and in search of prosperity and brotherhood in the coming festivities.

• > Date: June 1st
• > Place: Main Square

Great Qosqo Race 10K Hatun Phaway

This is a race that will take place for the first time in the year 2024, with the participation of the Peruvian and foreign population. There will be no cost for participation and registration for the next races will be through the welcu website.

The categories in which you can participate are :
Juniors (15 to 17 years old)
Seniors Elite (18 to 39 years)
Master (40 to 49 years old)
Super Master (50 years and over)
Disability/Special Abilities (Free)

• > Date: 02 June
• > Start of the route: San Jeronimo – PetroPerú bus stop(Via de Evitamiento alt. of Qencoro Prison)
• > End of the route: Main Square of Cusco

Pilgrimage of the Lord of Qoyllur Riti

Pilgrimage of the Lord of Qoyllur riti it is one of the most fabulous manifestations of religion and culture in America. Thousands of pilgrims gather with prayers, dances and music to start the pilgrimage to the Christ of the rock and the Apus. It starts from Cusco to reach Nevado Ausangate in Ocongate.

• > Date: Changeable (May 28th in 2024)
• > Place: Cusco-Ocongate

Festival of the Chiriuchu

During the feast of Corpus Christi in Cusco, an emblematic gastronomic event known as the Chiriuchu Festival, which brings together vendors and housewives in the Saint Francis Square and other places in the historic centre. It offers a traditional stew where the main ingredient is guinea pig, cooked in the oven. Besides the cuy, the Chiriuchu includes other ingredients such as boiled chicken, charqui, blood sausage, chorizo, cochayuyo, flour tortillas, toasted corn and cheese. For those who like it spicy, it is served with ground rocoto and seasoned with lemon, vinegar and salt.

• > Date: Changes depending on Corpus Christi (07, 08, 15 June of 2024)
• > Place: Saint Francis Square

Corpus Christi

It is one of the most multitudinous religious festivities of Cusco and its central day varies because it depends on the lunar calendar. During this festivity, a procession takes place in which 15 images of Saints and invocations of the Virgin Mary, which come from the parishes of the city, are carried out. Many parishioners gather to pay homage to the body of Christ and receive a blessing.

• > Date: Changing
• > Place: Main Square and surrounding area

Ritual of renovation of the Q’eswachaka Bridge

On the 8th of June, the renovation ritual of the Q’eswachaka bridge begins in Quehue, province of Canas, Cusco. This process is carried out using an ancient model of work called “minka”, which dates back to Inca times. The renovation of the bridge involves various ritual and festive activities that last for four days.

On the first day, a rite to the apu Quinsallallawi is performed at dawn, while the vegetable fibre called “qoya ichu” is collected for the construction of the suspension bridge. The women braid this fibre into rope called “qeswas”, under the supervision of a specialist called “chakaruwak”.

On the second day, the ichu structure of the old bridge is dismantled, the stone nails that support it are removed and the ropes that will serve as the base for the new bridge are placed. On the third day, the handrails and the walking surface are completed.

Finally, on the fourth day, it is celebrated with dances and typical food, as communal work has always been considered a festive day by Peruvian ancestors.

• > Date: From 8 to 11 June (Start on 06 June this year 2024)
• > Place: Quehue

Parade of Lights Salute to Cusco

This event takes place in the afternoon and evening, you can see a parade of Peruvian dances saluting Cusco for its Jubilee month.

• > Date: June 8th
• > Place: Main Square

Parades of typical dances

The educational institutions of Cusco unite to pay an emotional tribute to their imperial city through a parade of typical dances, starting at 9:00 am.

In this parade, children from kindergarten to high school dance as an expression of admiration and cultural pride with the traditional rhythms of the region to preserve and spread cultural traditions. During this parade you can enjoy the colourful costumes and the contagious rhythms that fill the air.

• > Date: In 2024 it will be from 10 to 14 June
• > Place: Main Square

Octave of Corpus Christi

The festivity of the Octave of Corpus Christi celebrates the end of the feast of Corpus Christi and takes place when the images of the patron saints return in a procession to their respective parishes. This is accompanied by the final gastronomic fair of Chiriuchu.

• > Date: Changeable (June 6th of 2024)
• > Place: Main Square and surroundings

Staging of the Sipas Raymi

It is an event that allows us to visualise the predominant role of adolescent women in Inca society as the acllas or virgin of the sun.

• > Date: Changing (15 June 2024)
• > Place: Ahuacpinta Street of city Cusco

Staging of Apu Wanakauri Raymi

It usually takes place on a Saturday where the beginning of the Inca culture is celebrated. In this staging you can observe the marriage of Sinchi Roca, eldest son of Ayar Manco (Manco Capac) with the princess of the royal Ayllus and Panakas.

• > Date: Changing (June 15th, 2024)
• > Place: Apu Wanakauri Hill

Puririsun Alqochakunawan

This is a parade of mascots in typical Peruvian costumes greeting Cusco’s Jubilee Month, involving the population of Cusco, organisations, hostels and foreign guests.

• > Date: Changing (June 15th, 2024)
• > Place: Main Square

Staging of the Ayar Brothers

In the archaeological center Maukallaqta, the staging of the Legend of the foundation of Tawantinsuyo of the Ayar Brothers takes place every year. It tells the story of the four brothers and their wives who set out on a long journey in search of fertile lands to settle down.

• > Date: June 16th
• > Place: Maukallaqta (Paucartambo)

Night of lights and sound

Cusco’s Plaza Mayor will be transformed into a dazzling spectacle of lights and sounds that will leave you spellbound. With a great festive atmosphere due to the combination of bright lights and enveloping sound effects. It will be the perfect opportunity to enjoy a massive concert of Latin American music, rock and more local sounds.

• > Date: Changing (June 20nd in 2024)
• > Place: Main Square

Parade of giant allegories of fine arts

The University of Fine Arts Diego Quispe Ttito in honour of this Jubilee month of Cusco presents a parade and exhibition of giant allegories that represent stories, symbols and emblematic elements of the rich tradition of Cusco. In this parade you will be dazzled by the ingenuity and creativity of these grandiose mobile structures.

• > Date: June 16th
• > Place: Main Square and Marquez street

Parade of dances from the universities of Cusco

The universities of Cusco also join the celebration of the Jubilee month of Cusco in a vibrant parade of typical dances to honour the city. On June 20th, the Andean University of Cusco performs its salute to Cusco with the typical dances of the city, while the National University of San Antonio Abad del Cusco presents its dances accompanied by musicians and dancers from all its campuses highlighting its commitment to the preservation of the Cusco identity.

This is an event where you will observe the talent and dedication of university students paying homage to the traditions of Cusco through dance, music and beautiful traditional costumes.

• > Date: June 17th and 18st
• > Place: Main Square

Staging of the rebellion of Manko Inka

The recreation of the most important attempt to shake off the Spanish yoke, led by Manco Inca II. At the head of a large army, Manco took advantage of the weaknesses of the Spaniards to besiege Cuzco and provoke the flight of the invaders.

• > Date: June 22nd
• > Place: Vilcabamba

Parade of the 13 provinces

In this event you will be able to see the representation of the 13 provinces of Cusco in the main square. Each province will present its particularity and cultural richness that characterizes them through dances, music and traditional costumes.

• > Date: June 22nd
• > Place: Main Square

Inti Raymi

Inti Raymi is one of the biggest and most important celebrations in the Cusco calendar, which takes place every June 24th to commemorate the winter solstice in the southern hemisphere.

This ancient Inca ceremony pays homage to the Sun God, thanking him for his blessings and renewing the cycle of life with colourful parades and theatrical performances that will envelop you in an atmosphere of magic that will transport you to the time of the Incas.

The ceremony consists of three stagings: the “Salute to the Sun” in the Qorikancha Temple, the “Meeting of the times and ceremony of the coca leaf” in the Main Square of Cusco, and the central ceremony in the esplanade of Chukipampa – Saqsaywaman, where the rite of the girl and the symbolic sacrifice of the flame take place.

This is an experience not to be missed if you visit Cusco as you will be immersed in Inca culture and spirituality. Please note that the first two performances are free of charge, so you should go very early in the morning to secure a place.

For the third staging, tickets can be purchased through EMUFEC or you can combine this experience with a tour to a tourist site in Cusco at the agency Inka Time, for these dates you can usually find offers. Whichever option you prefer, we recommend you book in advance.

• > Date: June 24th
• > Place: Coricancha, Main Square and Sacsayhuaman

Saint Peter and Saint Paul

This is a religious celebration where on the 29th and 30th of June the streets are filled with colour to honour the patron saints of fishermen with parades of dances and music that reflect the devotion and joy of the people of Cusco.

• > Date: June 29th
• > Place: Cusco (Saint Francis Square)

Ollantay raymi

Is a staging that takes place in the archaeological center of olllantaytambo in the sacred valley, where the literary work of the forbidden love of an Inca general ollantay and the Inca princess cusi coyllur is represented.

• > Date: June 29th
• > Place: Ollantaytambo

Recommendations for this Cusco’s Jubilee Month

• > Attend the celebrations and let yourself be surprised by this charming city.
• > Taste the local gastronomy in the gastronomic fairs that take place during this month.
• > Visit the archaeological sites that this city has to offer such as Qorikancha, Sacsayhuaman, Machu Picchu and more.
• > Remember to be respectful of local traditions, especially religious events and traditional ceremonies.
• > Hire the services of a tour company to make the most of your stay in the charming city of Cusco.
• > Remember to look for and book a hotel according to your needs in advance as this is a month full of tourists, if you want to check availability in our hotel talk to us by our whatsapp.
• > For sightseeing in Cusco remember to bring cash in soles and singles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the weather like this month?

In June, Cusco is in dry season so you will find cold nights compared to other months and warm days without rain so it is recommended to use sunscreen and hats. As for clothing, it is recommended to wear light clothes for the day and warm jackets for the night.

What can I see during this month?

If you are in Cusco during June, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in its rich culture. Walking through its picturesque streets will make you feel like a local, thanks to events such as folkloric parades, competitions in the squares, tributes to historical figures, guided tours of the city centre, art and painting exhibitions, as well as a varied gastronomic offer.

What is the best option for accommodation during the Cusco’s Jubilee month?

Your best option is very close to the Main square where many of the events that will take place during the Cusco’s Jubilee month will take place. Being close to the Plaza de Armas means that you will not miss any of the events.

We are only 5 minutes away from the main square, with comfortable rooms. See our rooms and services here.