The New Year is a huge celebration all around the world, and Peru is no different! New Year’s is often largely associated with drinking and having lots of fun with your friends, however, there are a number of rich customs associated with New Years in Peru that are intended to bring good luck. In Peru people are generally more connected with the spiritual, the mystic and the superstitious than people are in the west… and they do believe in miracles!
Cusqueño families have a wide range of customs to celebrate New Years in Peru, and each family has their own tradition. Many families celebrate the New Year together by having lunch and then the young people will go out with their friends. There isn’t a specific food associated with New Year’s but turkey, chicken and guinea pig are common, as are drinks such as hot chocolate, pisco sour and beer.
Many bars and clubs organize special New Year’s Eve parties, but the place to be is in Cusco’s Plaza de Armas. At about 11:30pm, locals begin to gather in order to run around the Plaza as the clock strikes 12!
>> Want to go? Ask us about our Christmas in Peru Packages. We also have specially designed New Years in Peru Packages.
Customs associated with New Years in Peru are intended to bring good luck. Here are a few of the popular traditions: