If you’re looking for a region where the sun shines almost every day of the year, where the landscapes combine desert and vineyards, and where traditions are lived intensely, Ica is your ideal destination. This city in southern Peru, known for its vibrant energy and warmth, preserves cultural practices that connect you with its deepest identity.
Today, I invite you to immerse yourself in its most iconic traditions and discover why Ica is much more than just sun and sand.
1. International Harvest Festival (Vendimia)
Every March, especially between the 8th and 18th, Ica transforms into the stage for one of its most anticipated celebrations: the Harvest Festival. This event pays tribute to the hard work of farmers, the land, and especially the grape harvest that gives life to wine and pisco—two iconic products of the region.
One of the most symbolic moments is the traditional grape stomping, led by the Harvest Queen. This colorful activity represents the birth of Peru’s most iconic liquor. Attendees enjoy fairs, performances, tastings, and can witness the art of turning grapes into liquid heritage.
2. National Pisco Sour Day
Every first Saturday of February, Ica proudly celebrates one of its most beloved beverages: the Pisco Sour. This is the perfect day to visit pisco-producing haciendas and taste different versions of Peru’s national cocktail.
Throughout the day, bartender competitions, open tastings, and cultural shows take place. Here, you can learn how to make a great Pisco Sour and understand why this drink has captivated people worldwide with its unique flavor.
3. Lord of Luren
The Lord of Luren, Ica’s patron saint, is at the heart of one of the city’s most moving religious traditions. Every third Monday in October, thousands of devotees accompany the revered image in a procession that lasts over 17 uninterrupted hours through the city’s main streets.
On this day, the streets are decorated with flowers and intricate carpets, reflecting the deep faith and dedication of the people of Ica. It’s the perfect time to witness the living spirituality of a united community.
4. Virgin of Yauca
The story of the Virgin of Yauca is as surprising as it is touching. According to legend, her image was discovered in the 18th century among shrubs by residents of the Yauca district. She couldn’t be moved until a devoted prayer was offered.
Since then, a chapel was built in her honor, and she was proclaimed the patroness of the area. Every first Sunday of October, hundreds of pilgrims arrive to pay tribute and ask for blessings, making this act of faith a tradition full of mysticism and hope.
5. Pallas Dance
During celebrations like Christmas and Epiphany, a group of women known as pallas dressed in vibrant, symbolic outfits grace the streets with elegant dancing.
This traditional dance, full of color and rhythm, is a tribute of respect and gratitude to the Baby Jesus. Some women carry guitars, flowers, or religious symbols, and with their steps and songs, they honor Ica’s ancestral heritage.
6. Holy Week in Ica: Faith and Solemnity
In Ica, Holy Week is lived with reverence and devotion. From Palm Sunday, with the blessing of olive branches, to Holy Wednesday with the emotional procession of Jesus of Nazareth accompanied by the Virgin Mary, the city becomes a spiritual hub.
During these days, the streets fill with believers, hymns, processions, and moments of reflection. If you experience Holy Week in Ica, you’ll feel how faith is present in every corner, every gesture, and every prayer.
How to Get to Ica
Reaching this warm and tradition-filled land is simple. From Lima, you can take a bus on a journey that lasts between 4 to 5 hours. There are options for all budgets from economical to luxury services. Once there, a wide range of cultural, gastronomic, and tourist experiences await you.