You have to bear in mind that Peru is a country with many feasts, so in almost every region and city you will have additional days with some sort of ‘public holiday’ character. Please look at our ‘feasts & festivals’ section for more information on festivities in Lima.

01.01.2008 — New Years Day 20.03.2008 — Maundy Thursday 21.03.2008 — Good Friday 01.05.2008 — Labour Day 29.06.2008 — Saint Peter and Saint Paul 28.07.2008 — Fiestas Patrias / Peruvian Independence Day 29.07.2008 — Fiestas Patrias / Peruvian Independence Day 30.08.2008 — Saint Rose of Lima 08.10.2008 — Battle of Angamos 01.11.2008 — All Saints Day 08.12.2008 — Day of the Immaculate Conception 25.12.2008 — Christmas

On the 18th of January 1535 Lima was founded by the Spanish conqueror Francisco Pizzaro. The anniversary is celebrated on this day with different cultural and artistic festivities. Particularly worth mentioning is the big parade through Lima called ‘pasacalles’. Dancers and artist perform typical folklore dances. Very enjoyable are also the music concert and folklore shows.

Carnival is celebrated throughout the country and Lima isn't the stronghold of the festivities. But still you will find some fun during the carnival season with water games and different activities around the city.

In March the grape harvest and wine making is celebrated in the district of Surco, well know for good Peruvian wine. A nice pageant through Surcos streets takes place and the traditional visit to the vine cellars is a must.

Probably the most important tournament of Peruvian horse breeders takes place every year in April near the archaeological excavation site of Pachacámac in Mamacona. Besides watching several competitions of the famous Peruvian horses, you can experience a big feast with folklore shows and typical Peruvian food.

Saint Peter has been chosen as the fishermen’s patron. He is worshiped at the ports and bays of Chorillos and Lurin in the south of Lima at Saint Peter and Saint Paul day.

Dedicated to the memory of the announcement of independence on the 28th of July 1821 by the liberator Jose de San Martin. Everywhere in Peru you will find big celebrations and festivities at the anniversary of Peru. In Lima the School Parades and the big Military Parade on the 29th of July at Plaza Mayor are outstanding. Don’t miss the sport events, theatricals, folklore shows, music concerts and all the other small events.

Each year on the 30th of August a big procession to honour Santa Rosa de Lima, the patron saint of Lima, takes place in Lima. The procession leads to Santa Rosa's hometown Santa Rosa de Quives near Lima. Many thousands of believers, who worship Santa Rosa de Lima, the church and convent she founded, participate in the festivities.

The biggest procession in Latin America takes place every year at the end of October or beginning of November in Lima. Ten thousands of believers gather to honour Señor de los Milagros (The Lord of Miracles). The belief in the Lord of Miracles dates back to colonial times, when an African slave drew an image of a black Christ on a wall. Despite all attempts to remove it and despite some heavy earthquakes destroying all houses in the area, the image remained untouched. As a result the faith in Señor de los Milagros and the adoration for him grew steadily. Faithful believers, mainly dressed in purple tunics, come together to carry the nearly two tons litter, which bears the painting of the Lord of Miracles, on their shoulders during the traditional 24 hour procession from the Church ‘Las Nazarenas’ to the Church ‘La Merced’, singing hymns and praying.

Dedicated to the memory of the lost Battle of Angamos on the 8th of October 1879 where the Peruvian ironclad Huáscar was captured by the Chilean Navy and the well know captain, Admiral Miguel Grau, was killed. After this important battle of the War of the Pacific the Peruvians weren't able to bear up against the Chilean Forces any longer. The seas were cleared and the Chilean Troops could invade Peru and Bolivia.