The Santurantikuy is a unique fair, you’ll only find it in Cusco. Days before Christmas, vendors begin displaying their products and in the central date (December 24th), visitors can find wonderful nativity pieces and many more typical products.
Santurantikuy Christmas Fair at the Main Square
In Quechua language, the official one of the Inca empire, the word Santurantikuy means “selling of saints” or “saints for sale”. Every year, Cusco City’s Plaza de Armas (Main Square) is filled with people who put their blankets on the sidewalk (a typical feature of many regional markets) and offer mainly nativity figurines of baby Jesus, the Virgin, Joseph and all the rest.
This very traditional Christmas market takes place all around the Main Square, starts early in the morning and goes into nighttime. Cusco City’s people buy many of these figurines in order to arrange a Nativity at home, which is there until January 6th or 7th, for the arrival of the Three Wise Men.
Toritos of Pucará made in Cusco for Santurantikuy fest
A special mention is needed for the retablos, wooden, small sets which depict an entire Nativity scene, very popular and traditional in the Andes. A lovely detail is that many nativity figurines are dressed in typical Andean garments (chullosponchos, ojotas -peasant sandals- and so on). For example, the Niño Manuelito -Little Emmanuel- is baby Jesus sometimes dressed with the attires of an Inca emperor. Also, visitors will find a whole variety of typical handicrafts, pottery, paintings of the famous Cusco School (which appeared in the 17th century mixing Spanish art with Inca culture), whose originals are quite valuable now. We think the Santurantikuy experience can be the perfect addition for a 1 day Machu Picchu tour or such a great companionship time before or after a honeymoon trip to the Inca citadel!
Baby Jesus (Niño Manuelito)
Insider Tips for This Christmas Fair
- The vendors come from mainly highlands, rural villages, so most people in Cusco and also informed tourists do not walk away without buying something.
- One important tip for this fair is that you must have cash in soles (Peruvian currency), those vendors will not take dollars, pounds, etc
- About clothing: it may be the case that brief rain happens, if you’re coming in December, bring a light rainproof coat. Get comfortable tennis shoes because there are many products to see but the crowd walks slowly, and for resistance, we surely recommend a flask with warm coca leaves tea, it will keep you going all day.
- If you are bringing children, remember the Main Square is crowded. Make sure they’d had a good, non-greasy meal, coca leaves tea will also help. Otherwise they will be amazed by so many novelties.
Santurantikuy fair on December 24th, Cusco
As we said, going to the Santurantikuy fair can be an amazing additional activity besides a Machu Picchu trip. How about our 2-day package? For your best preparation, read our article on do’s and don’ts in Machu Picchu and also find out how you can give a tour as Christmas present.
The Santurantikuy Christmas fair in Cusco City can surely be another unforgettable highlight of your next trip! We provide our travelers with the most practical, fast payment methods.
Contact us immediately because December is just around the corner and demand is huge. See you in the fair!
