The month of September in Cusco is a season filled with religious fervor, tradition, and living culture, where various districts and communities celebrate festivals deeply rooted in both Andean and Catholic history and spirituality. Below is the calendar of the main celebrations that take place during this month:
September 8 – Feast of the Virgin Nativity (Almudena Neighborhood)
This religious festivity, centered in the traditional Almudena neighborhood, begins on August 29 with the symbolic “entrance of flowers,” a procession that starts from San Francisco Square and ends at the Almudena church. On the main day, visitors can enjoy folkloric dances, traditional music, and vibrant devotion to the Virgin. Almudena, one of the oldest neighborhoods in Cusco, comes alive with color and joy in celebration of this occasion.
September 14 – Lord of Huanca (San Salvador – Huanca)
The Lord of Huanca is one of the most important expressions of faith in southern Peru. Thousands of pilgrims, both locals and foreigners, walk 48 kilometers to the sanctuary in San Salvador to honor the image of the martyred Christ, considered miraculous and protective. This pilgrimage is a clear demonstration of the deep religiosity of the Cusqueñan people.
September 14 – Lord of the Exaltation (Anta – Mollepata)
In the province of Anta, specifically in Mollepata, the Lord of the Exaltation is celebrated. This festivity gathers people from various communities who come together to venerate this sacred image. The celebration includes masses, processions, and social events that reaffirm community unity and religious tradition.
September 18 – Warachicuy (Sacsayhuamán Esplanade)
Warachicuy is an ancestral reenactment of an ancient Inca rite. It takes place at the Sacsayhuamán esplanade with the participation of students from the Glorious National School of Sciences. This ceremony recreates the physical and symbolic trials that young Incas had to overcome to be considered adults in their society. The event is military, historical, and educational in nature.
September 30 – Feast of Patron Saint Jerome (San Jerónimo District)
The festival in honor of Saint Jerome closes the month with an explosion of culture and devotion. In the main square of the district, there are dance competitions, music festivals, food fairs, and art exhibitions. Not only do residents participate, but also troupes and delegations from other areas of Cusco, making this celebration one of the most colorful and participatory in the region.
