San José Festival near Trujillo – Feria de San José

Each year around March 19, the small beach town of Las Delicias, about 9 km (5.5 miles) south of the city of Trujillo, celebrates the Feria de San José in honor of its patron Saint Joseph.

The festival was initiated only in 1993 by Señora Mariana de Orbegoso and is a colorful and joyous, but as well traditional Spanish-style festivity in the small beach town in northern Peru transforming Las Delicias into a Hispanic enclave with all its traditions and customs for a few days.

Hosts of the celebrations, that are played by locals, are the colorful characters of Señora Abanico, who is the mother of the festival, the mayoress of the festival, Don José and Doña Josefa, and the four majas: Señora Maja, Señorita Maja, Maja Juvenil and Maja Infantil that represent the feminine beauty of Las Delicias.

The celebrations begin with introducing the characters and the handing-over of office and festivities at the beach of El Silencio.

During the next 2 days a mass in honor of Saint Joseph is celebrated, who then is carried around town in a colorful procession. There are lots of Spanish-style music and dancing, including flamenco, Spanish and local food and drinks, a Pamplona-style bull running, bullfights, parade, serenades and fireworks.