Travel Peru, Peru Blog

The hills that encircle the city may echo either the blast of a firecracker or the music from a band which you might not be able to see. Or one can unexpectedly run into a parade made of quite a few people or a huge crowd.
It seems there is always a reason to celebrate here in Qosqo. And this is especially true in June where a new anniversary is held. Any day or night could become time for revel with music, dance, and beer or chicha.

Believe it or not, I just could get a schudele of this month events on Saturday the sixth. The next day I was lucky enough to get a camera, but unfortunately my glasses were broken. And without my glasses I am kind of blind.
So I did not cover any events for almost two weeks. Honestly, now I regret that I failed to attend the Corpus Christi feast, next year I will write about it definitely, and to taste the typical dish of that day, the chiriuchu, another thing-to-do in my list.

When I got my glasses just a few days ago, I felt alive again. Now I wonder how come I dared to surf in February at Makaha beach in Lima (more about it in the post entitled “Early Morning”).

Eventually, as part of all the cultural activities arranged there was a book presentation that I did not want to miss. However, when I just showed up at the city hall, I was told that the meeting was called off. Great!
I had a plan B that night anyway, so I just headed for the Municipal Theater where a folk concert was due by the cusqueño band Legado.

Next day, I woke up early to attend a contest of dishes made with typical produce. It was held two days ago, I was told, though. Even though I was showing the brochure to the secretary pointing out the date, she simply told me that next year they were going to do it near downtown. Wonderful!

And last but not least, last saturday I almost lost my breakfast in order to attend a folk festival at La Salle, one of the most renowned schools here. The watchman said it was a private event, though. Excellent!
I do not want to mean that I am picky or that I pretend to bother anyone, but I wonder why they publish an event and they forget to mention that it is going to be private.
I did not have a plan B, so I did not have any reason to make a fast that morning.

Being aware of all these mishaps, I want to make a list of the activities I would recommend to go, but I do not want to hold any liability for any problem. Ok?

The must-see feast of this month is the Inti Raymi or the Feast of the Sun held the 24th at the Qoricancha or Temple of the Sun, the main square and the fortress Saqsaywaman.
Another interesting ritual is the “pago” or offering to the mother Earth which is going to be held on the 22nd at Saqsaywaman at noon. At the same site, mirrors will reflect the light of the sun the 23th since 10am.

There is still a chance to see something of the Corpus Christi and taste the typical dish chiriuchu on the 18th at the main square and San Francisco square. The first will start at 3 o’clock though typical dances will start at 9 o’clock. The second one is due at 9 o’clock.
A huge parade is held on the 23th since 9 o’clock at Main Square. That day we will hear the sound of the Maria Angola bell.

Typical dances could not be absent: the 16th, 17th and 22nd at Main Square since 9 o’clock; on the 20th, at the municipal theater at 7pm; and in front of Qoricancha the 21st at 9 o’clock.

The municipal theater will be the scenario of a few concerts: the 16th, 21st, 25th and 30th, all at 7 o’clock but the last one at 730pm.
Others concerts are due on the 17th and 19th at Casa Garcilaso and in front of Qoricancha around 630pm.

If you want to see the typical customs of the 13 provinces of Qosqo, please go to the city hall on the 17th at 4pm. But if you are in the mood to see and buy handicrafts, the best match is the international Fair of Huancaro from 19th to 30th. Popular art will be present at the Salon Tupac Amaru at the main square from 26th to 30th.

The end of all this joyfulness will not be the last day of June, though. Actually, it will be on the 4th of July, what a coincidence!
That day at the main square a huge number of people will gather since 9am to celebrate the Kacharpari which means the hope to see you again for another feast or party.

See ya!