Virgin of Calendaria

The Feast of the Virgin of Candelaria is one of the most important religious and cultural celebrations in Peru. It takes place every year in Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca, and brings together thousands of devotees and visitors who participate in traditional dances, processions, Andean music, and expressions of deep faith and cultural identity.

Travel to Puno by bus with redBus and use the promotional code REDVIAJEROS to save up to 20% on your first trip (Terms and Conditions apply) and experience this festival, declared a Cultural Heritage site, firsthand.

What is the Feast of the Virgin of Candelaria?

It's a celebration that combines Catholic devotion with ancestral Andean traditions. It pays homage to the Virgin of Candelaria, patron saint of Puno, through masses, processions, and folk dance competitions that represent the history, worldview, and cultural diversity of the Peruvian highlands.

When is it celebrated?

The festival begins on January 24th with preceding religious and cultural activities, and its main day is February 2nd, when the principal masses, processions, and dance performances take place. The celebrations can extend over several days with competitions and other events.

 

History and Tradition of the Candelaria Festival in Peru

The Feast of the Virgin of Candelaria has deep roots that combine indigenous Quechua and Aymara traditions with the Catholic devotion introduced during the colonial period. This cultural fusion is manifested in rituals, music, and dances that have been passed down from generation to generation.

Recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the festival is not only a religious event but also a symbol of identity for the Puno region and an opportunity to preserve ancestral cultural practices through music, costumes, and the processions that wind through the city streets.

How to get to Puno by bus?

You can travel to Puno from various cities in Peru. The bus is an excellent option for a comfortable journey and to enjoy the Andean landscapes along the way. Several companies offer frequent routes to the city.

Book on redBus, compare prices and schedules, choose your seat, and travel with peace of mind to the Feast of the Virgin of Candelaria.

Participate in the religious celebrations

Attend masses, processions, and liturgical acts in honor of the Virgin, especially on February 2nd, the most solemn moment of the festival.

Enjoy the folk dances

More than a hundred groups participate in traditional dance competitions such as the Diablada, Morenada, Sikuris, and Caporales, filling Puno with color and music.

Experience Andean culture

The streets become festive stages, where traditional costumes, music, local cuisine, and the festive spirit of the people come together.

Explore Puno and Lake Titicaca

Take advantage of your trip to visit nearby attractions and discover the rich culture of the Altiplano.

Tips for your trip to the Feast of the Virgin of Candelaria

🚌 Buy your tickets in advance; it's peak season.

📲 Use the code REDVIAJEROS for a discount on your first trip.

🧥 Pack warm clothes: the weather in Puno is cold, especially at night.

📸 Bring a camera or cell phone with a good battery to capture the dances and processions.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 If you're traveling in a group, buy all your tickets in a single transaction.

What is redBus?

redBus is the leading platform for buying bus tickets online, where you can compare prices, schedules, and transportation companies all in one place, making travel comfortable, fast, and affordable.

With redBus, you can also access exclusive promotions like REDVIAJEROS, valid for a limited time, to save up to 20% on your tickets and enjoy the country's main cultural events.

How to buy bus tickets on redBus?

1. Access redBus from the website or app

2. Choose your origin and destination

3. Select your travel date

4. Compare schedules, prices, and services

5. Add the promotional code REDVIAJEROS

6. Pay securely and receive your bus ticket