Inca City

Here are some facts about Peru

Santuranticuy, Cusco fair in honor of the Niño Dios

It is December in Cusco and the residents know that they must prepare because in a few days one of the most important festivities in this region will be celebrated: Santuranticuy, a traditional festival that dates back to the Colonial era.

The day comes, it is December 24, and thousands of artisans from different parts of Peru come together in the Plaza Mayor to show their best works to tourists. Angels, births, paintings, ceramics, photographs, silverware and jewelry - these last ones related to the crowns or haloes of the saints-, are some of the valuable objects that can be found in this festivity that lasts until Christmas midnight.

Also part of this traditional fair -which has Niño Manuelito or Niño Dios as the maximum expression- are the farmers who offer natural products such as eucalyptus branches, molle, queñua, ferns and ichu bundles, which are unmissable at birth. Furthermore, in a corner of the plaza, visitors can enjoy the best of Cusco cuisine.

The next day, the people of Cusco bless the images of Niño Manuelito, while a group of dancers join the celebration with the Huaylía, a must-see stamp in the celebration of the Niño Dios.

This festivity was declared in 2009 as Cultural Heritage of Peru, for being one of the most striking and significant cultural expressions since the Viceroyalty, and for bring together thousands of tourists who arrive in Cusco at the height of Christmas time.