Festivals and Events in South America
January
Providencia International Jazz Festival, Chile: One of Latin America’s most respected jazz festivals takes place each January in Santiago’s Sculpture Park. Well-known musicians from around Chile, South America and the rest of the globe meet up in the capital for several days of superb music.
February
Festival of the Virgin de la Candelaria, Bolivia and Peru: In both countries this revered religious icon is the center of huge celebrations starting on February 2nd. For two weeks many towns burst into a frenzy of music, dance and fervor featuring elaborate costumes and masks. Puno, Peru is one of the best places to witness this event.
Carnaval, Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay: Brazil’s Rio de Janiero certainly holds top spot for Carnaval passion and exuberance, but many towns in Argentina and Montevideo (Uruguay) also put on a good show. For three days these cities come to a standstill as parades fill the streets and people dance and play music. This is South American partying at its finest.
March
Mendoza Wine Harvest Festival, Argentina: On the first weekend of March, the Malbec region celebrates its annual grape harvest with wine, music and dancing. The atmosphere in this part of Argentina turns Carnaval as parades and fireworks take over the towns. It’s a wonderful event when everyone around is in top spirits.
April
Lord of Tremors Festival, Cusco, Peru: One of South America’s more bizarre festivals revolves around the belief that the Christ of Good Death prevented a devastating earthquake from leveling Cusco in 1650. It’s a massive party atmosphere celebrating the idea of liberation and salvation.
May
Day of the Holy Cross, Venezuela: Although this religious event is celebrated across South America, the best place to witness it is in Venezuela. This interesting ritual blends pre-Hispanic native fertility rituals with Catholic devotional practices.
June
Inti Raymi, Ecuador and Peru: This amazing festival is the perfect example of how South America fuses Catholic and indigenous traditions. From June 24th to 29th the fiestas of Saint Paul, Saint John and Into Raymi (a summer solstice festival) merge into a massive celebration featuring dances, parades and parties. Otavalo, Ecuador and Cusco, Peru are the best places to experience this unique event.
July
La Falda National Tango and Milonga Festival, Argentina: The passionate dance known as tango was invented in Argentina, and each year the town of La Falda holds an amazing festival to celebrate its origins. Nationally famous dancers and singers converge on the town to perform and showcase their incredible talents. Music and dance lovers won’t want to miss this distinctly South American event.
August
Medellín Flower Fair, Colombia: The capital of Colombia blooms into a riot of color as the city’s most important cultural event arrives in the first two weeks of August. Processions of campesinos carrying elaborate flower-covered structures on their backs file through the streets, followed by other parades, live concerts and dancing.
Lima’s Latin American Film Festival, Peru: For 10 days the capital Lima turns into a showcase for the best Latin films of the year. Directors from all over the region come to screen their latest creations to the delight of huge crowds from around the globe.
September
Feast Day of the Exaltation of the Cross, Bolivia: The Altiplano mining town of Oruro holds one of the most eye-popping Christian-Amerindian ceremonies in South America. The devil is an important figure in the underground mining communities of Bolivia, and features prominently in this festival. Elaborate parades such as the amazing Changing of the Clothes ritual make this a stunning cultural experience.
October
Procession of the Lord of Miracles, Peru: Each year the city of Lima turns out to pay homage to Jesus Christ in one of the region’s most impressive celebrations. Hundreds of thousands of devotees throng onto the streets during the numerous processions creating a scene of Humanity that is simply overwhelming. This is one of Peru’s most important events and well worth experiencing.
November
All Saint’s Day, throughout South America: This regionwide religious celebration pays homage to every saint in the Catholic pantheon. It’s a devotional bonanza and every town in South America turns out to hold processions and rituals starring some of the more obscure saints.
All Soul’s Day, throughout South America: Right on the back of All Saint’s Day, this major event focuses on the deceased. By performing rituals, the living hope to help their loved ones pass on to better realms. Every town features interesting processions and rituals, creating a lively two-day spectacle.
December
New Year’s Eve, Brazil and Chile: Although all of South America celebrates New Year’s Eve, Brazil and Chile really pull out the stops. Copacabana beach (Brazil) holds one of the planet’s largest parties, while Chile’s Valparaíso is renowned for its extraordinary firework display that unfolds over the city’s bay. Come early and plan to stay late.
Feast of the Immaculate Conception, South America: This important Catholic holiday is observed throughout South America. It centers around the immaculate conception of the virgin Mary, who went to birth Jesus.