Cajamarca Carnival (Carnaval de Cajamarca) 2025 in Peru

Cajamarca is called the capital of the Peruvian Carnival, hosting the biggest and most joyful celebration in the country. On Carnival Monday a huge parade and festivities attract thousands of spectators. The ceremony is filled with dancers, floats, music bands, and performers dressed in costumes and masks.

Carnival Highlights

The Queen of Cajamarca Carnival is selected on the Friday before Ash Wednesday, marking the start of celebrations. Festivities begin Saturday with the arrival of Rey Momo, a giant mannequin symbolizing fun and chaos, who presides over the parades. On Sunday, the Concurso de Patrullas y Comparsas features troupes of dancers and musicians showcasing Peru's cultural traditions, competing in vibrant costumes for prizes.

Carnival Monday

Carnival Monday is the highlight of the festivities, featuring the Gran Corso de Carnaval, a grand parade through Cajamarca's streets. This spectacular event showcases vibrant floats, lively music, dancers, and performers, all adorned in colorful costumes and masks.

Main Traditions

Plaza de Armas is used as a central gathering for those who want to witness Peru's Carnival traditions, like the cutting down of a tree decorated with gifts. Dancing around a tree ritual is called Unsha. It takes place from Tuesday through Sunday in many neighborhoods of the city. Couples are dancing around a tree that has gifts in each branch. They try to cut the trunk with an ax until the tree falls. Then everyone can get a present.

Carnival Saturday is also a paint day when everyone can have fun! People of all ages paint each other with a mixture of water, flour, and paint. Water guns with paint are popular, too. Some enthusiasts spray anyone who comes near.

The celebration culminates with the "death" and "wake" of El Ño Carnavalón. Dressed in mourning, participants follow his coffin through the streets of Cajamarca, blending a sense of farewell with humor and reflection. On Ash Wednesday, the "burial" takes place at the Qhapaq Ñan complex, where his witty and satirical "will" brings laughter to the crowd before the iconic figure is ceremonially burned in a spirited farewell.

Significance

The Carnival in Cajamarca dates back to 1930, when it became popular to showcase flower-adorned carts accompanied by the most beautiful women from each area. Over time, the celebration evolved, incorporating new activities and showcasing an impressive rise in street decorations, reflecting the creativity of the locals. Today, Cajamarca's Carnival draws a large number of visitors, with an estimated 100,000 additional people attending in 2023. Beyond the festivities, Cajamarca remains a fantastic destination to explore year-round.