Northeast of Cusco City we can find the beautiful village of Paucartambo, one more of the wonders our region has to offer! Why? Because in that small town, every July, we have the amazing, traditional celebration of the Holy Virgin Fest, which goes from July 15th to the 19th. It’s a very famous event in Cusco, dating back to the 17th century. All people who enjoy folklore and particularly Catholics will be fascinated by this celebration, which unites music, dances, typical costumes, religion, a big procession and more.
Next we will give all the information you need to know, in order to make it to this amazing celebration of the Holy Virgin of Paucartambo. Of course, you can book this package as an addition to your dream vacation with TOUR IN PERU!
- Paucartambo village is located northeast of Cusco City, at an altitude of around 3,000 meters above sea level (approx. 9,843 feet).
- From Cusco City, we get to the Paucartambo village in around a 3.5-hour bus ride, across wonderful mountain and fields sights
- This small town still shows a lot of the Spanish, colonial-era architecture
- Since it is closer to the edge of Cusco jungle, temperature is warm, sunny, really enjoyable
- There are many handicraft stores where visitors can buy all memorabilia regarding the Holy Virgin Fest
- The Holy Virgin Fest goes from July 15th to July 19th; next we will give the highlights of each day:
- July 15th: it all begins with ringing of the churches bells and fireworks. There is also a street dramatization of the Purgatory. Finally, the Virgin is serenaded by a band of musicians playing Andean hymns
- July 16th: around 6 am the Holy Virgin Fest continues with the Dawn mass. Around 10 am we have the typical dances in the street, with entertainers dressed in full costume, dancing to the sound of Andean bands. The streets are full of people, also the balconies of the village houses and public buildings, all enjoying the sounds and colors of the very happy celebration
- July 17th: in the afternoon, the Holy Virgin Fest of Paucartambo resumes. This is the time when the statue of the Virgin is taken outside for a massive procession. Streets are filled with people, so are balconies, and there are many dancers in full typical garments, who follow the procession and actually climb up to the roofs, acrobatically dancing there to the sounds of the band. This is the day when people receive the blessings of the Holy Virgin
- July 18th: this day, the Holy Virgin of Paucartambo is taken back to the church and the special blessing of children takes place. Late in the afternoon, the priest gives the consecration to all people in town
- July 19th: this is the final day of the Holy Virgin Fest. Her attires are changed and she receives beautiful new clothes. The congregation sings and prays in deep devotion, until the time they say farewell to the Virgin, which is the closing of the celebration.
- The Holy Virgin Fest in Paucartambo was blessed by Pope John Paul II in 1985, when the statue was brought to Cusco City
- Visitors can join the street dancers anytime, this is another tradition of the Paucartambo celebration
- The procession of the Virgin is also meant to expel demons from the village, bringing peace and holiness
- The variety of dances and music shown in the Holy Virgin Fest of Paucartambo are officially Peruvian Cultural Heritage (2006)
This is certainly a magical adventure you can enjoy to the fullest here in the Cusco region, very close to Cusco City! The Paucartambo village is a quite beautiful country spot, where food and lodging aren’t expensive. The Holy Virgin Fest is a matchless chance to take spectacular pictures and videos covering a one-of-a-kind religious celebration!
If you are planning a long visit to Cusco, the Holy Virgin Fest in Paucartambo can be the perfect addition to your tours! Talk to our travel specialists and make it all happen!
