Customs of Arequipa

We present to you the most important traditions and customs of Arequipa so you can enjoy them on your next visit to the “White City”. Are you ready?

10 Customs of Arequipa

1.- Bullfighting

The central date for this type of event is August 15th, the anniversary of the Spanish foundation of the city.

On the central day of these combats, it reunited the creators with his best exemplars, the godparents (that are who offer the money of the awards), and a numerosity and enthusiasm public conformity by local fans and tourists.

It estimates an average of 12 fights, with a limit time of 15 minutes for each one. Before of fight, the bulls are subjected to a day of fasting and their horns are neatly sharpened.

2.- Virgen de Chapi Celebration

This party is celebrated on May 1st, in honor of the Virgen de Nuestra Señora de la Purificación most known as “la mamita”, patroness of the city of Arequipa. The devotion to the Virgen de Chapi is so ancient like his origin.

The Virgen de Chapi Celebration dates back to the 18th century. There are so many miracles that are attributed to the “la mamita”, since a variety of curations make rain in drought times.

3.- The Burning of Judas

Is a tradition that is realized on the Sunday of Resurrection. Consists of burning a big doll of Judas in the square of Yanahuara.

Before being consumed to ashes, it realizes a lecture of the denominate testament, where it makes critics directed to the authorities that incurred in mistakes.

4.- Anniversary of Arequipa

The anniversary of Arequipa is celebrated on August 15th and in his honor takes one or two weeks of celebration.

During its celebrations realize a military civic parade, parade, cultural meetings, music recitals, contests, serenades, and parties in the Plaza de San Lázaro, among other celebrations.

Because of the pandemic, don’t realize this party like before.

5.- The Famous Picanterías of Arequipa

These famous places are where the people reunited to enjoy the food and typical Peruvian drinks and form an important part of the identity of the region.

The spicy is a star plate and this is characterized by having a good dose of pepper. The picanterias are most that simple establishment of food because the environment of the locals or the conversations are who give the true “flavor” to this custom so deeply rooted in the people of Arequipa.

6.- Visit Tingo Lagoon

This attraction is localized in the south of the city of Arequipa, in the Villa of Tingo. That is about the spa whose protagonist is the lagoon, in addition of recreational spaces for children and adults.

The advantage is that this destination is located only 11 minutes by car from the city of Arequipa.

7.- Taste a Delicious Adobo on the Weekends

This plate is enjoyed only with bread, which is soaked in marinade juice to provide greater flavor. The arequipeñan grandmothers used to prepare this recipe for sharing with the family the Sundays or at special moments.

The adobo is for excellency one of the most famous plates of Arequipa.

8.- Holy Week in Arequipa

This day is realized in the procession of our Señora de Dolores. Continue with the Dolores Friday, the day that is realized the Via Crucis.

This is followed for the Saturday of Pasion, the day that is realized the Procession of the Señor del Perdon. The rest of the days the celebration continues with the same parameters of the holy week to the mundial level.

9.- Wititi Dance

Is about one of the most traditional dances and ancient of Arequipa. The choreography represents the courtship of a man with other young people.

This scenography is the Intangible Cultural Patrimony of Humanity.

10.- The Arequipa Carnival

During carnivals, you can not miss the traditional dance called Carnaval Arequipeño, which is performed in honor of the god Momo. It is usually danced by young singles.

During the carnival, it is also common to see gastronomic fairs where typical dishes of the region are presented, such as rocoto relleno, puchero, and chupe de Camarones, among others.